The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
New organ donation comic shows not all heroes wear capes
DONORS: NHS Tayside hopes to inspire conversation among loved ones
The “superhero” impact of being an organ donor is the theme of a new comic book inked by some of the city’s best writers.
The Gift, a 32-page graphic novel which explores the positive outcomes from a tragic situation, will be released on Monday to coincide with Organ Donation Week.
It features the story of Mayra Crowe, a lecturer in Spanish at Dundee University, whose son Andrew passed away suddenly following a brain aneurysm.
Mayra and her family, based on Andrew’s loving and compassionate nature, decided in the immediate aftermath of his death that his organs should be donated.
His organs were passed on to nine recipients who were all able to enjoy a new quality of life.
Mayra said she was pleased to see Andrew’s story feature in book.
“Over the last seven years, I have had the honour of being an ambassador for the NHS organ donation campaign,” she said.
“During this time I have met so many courageous and selfless people.
“But a hard part of this is trying to explain to kids that unfortunately, sometimes, children do die.”
She continued: “We never knew what Andrew thought about organ donation but we did know what kind of loving person he was.
“It is because of his organ donation that nine people now enjoy a renewed quality of life.
“For me, being an organ and tissue donation ambassador has provided a platform to tell my son’s story and get families discussing the possibility of donation after the worst has happened.
“Now, I hope this comic will do the same.”
As well as Andrew and Mayra’s story, the book features stories from patients, staff, doctors and nurses across Tayside discussing the importance of organ donation.
Lynne Malley, a specialist nurse in organ donation at NHS Tayside, said: “We hope that this new comic will raise awareness of the importance of organ donation and prompt honest conversations amongst loved ones.”