At just five years old, Bella Dyer underwent a transformative liver transplant that changed the course of her life. Now 22, she reflects on the experience that she describes as the “gift of life.” The operation, which lasted an astonishing 16 hours, marked the beginning of a healthier chapter following a year of treatments for a severe liver condition that affects newborns.
“I remember going into the operation, and my parents bought me a special snow globe,” Ms. Dyer recalled. “I remember the clown doctors who entertained me with music and the amazing nurses.” Her journey, which included numerous trips between Launceston and Melbourne, forged a deep appreciation for organ donation and its impact on individuals and families.
Promoting Organ Donation Through Advocacy
Currently working as a full-time disability support officer, Ms. Dyer actively advocates for organ donation awareness. This year, she will participate in the 2026 Transplant Games, taking place in her hometown of Launceston from September 26 to October 3. The event, a first for Tasmania in nearly 40 years, gathers transplant recipients, living donors, and families, celebrating the profound gift of life.
“It’s a great opportunity to promote DonateLife,” Ms. Dyer said. “It’s also a really good way of raising awareness.” The games serve as a platform to highlight the importance of organ donation, fostering connections among those impacted by this life-saving gift.
Assistant Minister for Health, Rebecca White, emphasized Tasmania’s remarkable statistics regarding organ donation. “Tasmania has extremely high rates of families agreeing to be donors, with about 70 percent compared to the national average of approximately 53 percent,” she stated. Furthermore, she noted that around 49 percent of Tasmanians are registered as organ donors, significantly higher than the 36 percent average across the rest of Australia.
Encouraging Conversations About Organ Donation
Ms. White urged more Tasmanians to consider registering as organ donors and to discuss their wishes with family members. She highlighted the importance of these conversations, as they can lead to increased donor registrations and ultimately save lives. Interested individuals can easily register as donors online through DonateLife or via MyGov, a process that takes only a few moments.
Bella Dyer’s journey from a life-threatening illness to a vibrant advocate demonstrates the critical impact of organ donation. As she prepares for the Transplant Games, her message resonates with many: the gift of life can profoundly change lives, and every conversation about organ donation is a step toward saving another.
