General News
18 September, 2026
Two lives, one special bond
KATRINA Brightwell knows all too well the importance of organ donation.
Katrina’s daughter Mira was born with chronic kidney disease and as she grew her kidney function continued to decline.
By late 2024, Mira’s kidney function had dropped to just 10 per cent.
“It was a critical moment where she would need to start undergoing dialysis but thankfully (after many months of testing to see if Katrina and husband Mark were suitable for possible organ donation) everything came together just in time to avoid dialysis.”
In December 2024 Katrina’s kidney retrieval surgery took place at Austin Health, and Mira’s transplant happened at The Royal Children’s Hospital.
“We knew there would come a time when she would need either a donor kidney or dialysis,” Katrina said.
Both Katrina and her husband Mark had been tested as possible donors – and, thankfully, both were a perfect match.
“We were so grateful to learn that we could both be potential donors for Mira, I was the closest in organ and tissue compatibility; the potential for organ rejection was less in me. It was a precious gift for us and an honour and privilege to be able to donate.
“As a parent you do all that you can for your children and this was no different.
“It’s a common misconception that yes you’re a parent so you’ll be a perfect match, but it isn’t always the case. Through our journey we’ve met several parents who weren’t suitable donors for their children and that’s a whole new level of sadness for them.”
Throughout her early childhood, Mira endured many trips to and from The Royal Children’s Hospital and developed a strong bond with the renal team, the transplant coordinator and other staff.
“They (staff) have all been wonderful with Mira, she’s been very brave right through the transplant process and continues to be. We have developed some beautiful connections with staff and we have loads of trust in the transplant coordinator and team.”
Katrina said Mira always felt very relaxed in that ‘space’ (hospital).
“Doctors, specialists, the renal team, hospitals, it’s all been a part of her world since she was born.”
With two older siblings (18 year-old Jack and sister Frankie, who just turned 16), Mira’s journey has been very much a family one.
“It has been quite the journey for us all and it will continue to be,” Katrina said.
“Since Mira was born there’s been many trips up and down the highway from Warrnambool to The Royal Children’s for monitoring, treatment and frequent checkups.
“At times she’s been very unwell over the years and that’s meant lengthy stays in Melbourne but through it all Mira has been so brave and her siblings are wonderful.”
Chronic kidney disease brings with it a host of side effects, including loss of appetite, distorted taste and fatigue.
“Mira has always just wanted to be able to keep up with the other kids, but before the transplant she was constantly very tired – but that was life as she knew it.”
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While recovery from the kidney transplant took several months, and Mira will remain on anti-rejection drugs long-term, the future is looking bright.
“We’re so incredibly proud of Mira. She’s been through a lot but remains so strong and resilient.
“Frankie recently turned 16 and made the decision, on her own, to join the organ donor registry and we’re incredibly proud of her decision.
“Through our family’s journey she has seen how important that registry is and how donation can have such a huge impact on someone’s life, and those around them.”
Katrina encourages all families to discuss organ donation.
“There is a real need to discuss organ donation among the community, among family and friends, both as a live and deceased donor,” she said.
“From the age of 16 people can chose to donate and it’s very simple to join the registry – just head to DonateLife and sign up.”
Recent data revealed how many residents have registered as organ and tissue donors in Victorian local government areas.
This included the City of Warrnambool (31 per cent) and Moyne Shire (32 per cent).
There are currently around 2,000 Australians on a waitlist for organ transplant and an additional 14,000 people on dialysis for kidney failure – many who could benefit from a kidney transplant.
Children and young people are amongst those waiting.
One organ donor can save the lives of up to seven people and change the lives of many more through eye and tissue donation.
DonateLife are calling on all residents to take one minute to tick registration off their to-do list.
Most Australians support organ and tissue donation, but only 35 per cent of eligible Australians are registered on the Australian Organ Donor Register.
Victoria is lower than the national average, with just 23 per cent registered.
“A recent community survey showed 90 per cent of Victorians support organ donation but less than one quarter have registered to be a donor,” Dr Rohit D’Costa, state medical director of DonateLife Victoria said.
“It doesn’t matter how old or healthy you are, you can still register as an organ and tissue donor. Registering is quick, easy and only takes one minute.
“I’m urging everyone to please register as an organ and tissue donor and then tell your family your wishes – someone’s life depends on it.”
