It's Donate Life Week, and one of our staff members is sharing her very personal story of organ donation.
Sunshine Coast Health Emergency Department Administration Officer Karina Bombski and her family lost their beautiful, spirited 10-year-old Sophie, after she suffered an epileptic episode while swimming in their family pool in 2016.
The family administered CPR and managed to keep Sophie alive until they reached the hospital, where sadly Sophie passed away.
At a time when the family were experiencing the most unbelievable grief, they managed to look through their pain and see the amazing gift of life that Sophie could give to others, so their families wouldn’t experience the same devastating loss.
It took the family just 30 seconds to decide Sophie would become an organ and tissue donor.
"Sophie always wanted to help people and she had a beautiful spirit and caring nature. And like most little girls, she had a special adoration for unicorns and rainbows," Karina said.
The Bombski’s take great comfort in knowing their decision helped other people, including other children, live on to see many more beautiful rainbows. Their selfless act saw both of Sophie’s kidneys, liver, lungs and heart valves become the ultimate gift for their recipients. The family hope that by telling their story it will encourage more people to discuss and register their donation decisions before it’s too late.