THE Kalangadoo Football and Netball Club will add a touch of colour to its black and white uniforms this weekend when players take to the field to raise awareness for organ and tissue donation.
Rainbow socks, laces and bibs will be worn by the teams tomorrow to promote Zaidee’s Rainbow Foundation, with the club hosting Tantanoola for Round 10 of the Mid South East competition.
Zaidee Turner died suddenly from a brain aneurysm in December 2004, aged 7, and had her organs and tissue donated, which helped improve or save the lives of up to seven other people.
Kim Telford and her husband approached the club with the idea to promote the foundation after she herself received a second chance at a healthy life following a dual kidney-pancreas transplant last year.
“We understand hovww important it is to have organ donors because if it wasn’t for a courageous family out there I would be very ill at home and still waiting on a transplant,” Ms Telford said.
“I can’t thank Kalangadoo enough, I have been involved with the club for over 20 years and I don’t think there are words to describe what they have done in helping put this in the spotlight for all to see.”
Organ and tissue donation has touched the Kalangadoo Football and Netball Club on more than one occasion.
In January 2014, 18-year-old man Adam Dixon – sister of current Kalangadoo B-grade netball playing coach Sarah and son of former A-grade coach Fiona – was tragically killed when a car he was a passenger in crashed into trees on Kangaroo Island.
As a result of the tragedy, Adam’s organs and tissues were donated, which have saved and significantly changed the lives of five recipients who have all enjoyed good health following their transplants.
Kalangadoo A Grade netballer Lauren Duncan said she was proud the club was getting behind the cause.
“It has directly affected our members, supporters and people involved with our club, so to be able to do something small for a much larger cause makes me pretty proud to be apart of the community down there,” Ms Duncan said.
“If we can shine a light on this and make one or two people talk about registering as a donor, then we have made an impact.”
Throwing his support behind the initiative, senior footballer Ben Gregory said the rainbow colours will be a nice addition to the traditional black and white outfit.
“We have been black and white for a hundred years so it’ll be nice to get a bit of colour involved,” he said.
“I think the boys will love it,” Ms Duncan added.
With around 1600 people in Australia still awaiting an organ transplant, Ms Telford described how it felt to be on one of those waiting lists.
“It is a mixed emotion because you can see a light at the end of the tunnel because you know that solution is out there,” she said.
“But on the flip side, you know there will be a family out there hurting when they have to make that decision for their loved one to donate.
“I was lucky, I only had to wait five months, but there are people out there who have had to wait five years and they constantly wonder when that phone is going to ring.”
Ms Telford said more people were starting to become aware of the importance of organ donation, but conceded there was still a long way to go.
“Numbers are increasing, but a lot of people aren’t aware of it – they think if it is on your driver’s licence, you are a donor, however that doesn’t mean you are registered,” she said.
“I understand talking about it can be a hard conversation and not one that you want to have, but it’s definitely worth doing with your family, so you are aware of eachothers wishes.”
A medal will be awarded to the most courageous A Grade footballer and netballer at the conclusion of their respective matches.
