Loving family … Anton Kropman encourages all families to discuss organ donation. His wife Helen donated her organs when she passed away six years ago. 60338 Picture: SARAH MATRAY
By Natalie Gallenti
This is what happened when the Kropman family lost their beloved wife and mother, Helen, six years ago.
At only 65 the St Albans resident passed away when an aneurysm at the back of her neck erupted, leaving her family shocked and heartbroken.
However because Helen was a selfless and loving woman, she has helped save the lives of countless people.
Her husband Anton remembers the day his wife told him she wanted to be an organ donor.
“Only four weeks before Helen died, we went to a friends’ place, and all the ladies were sitting around talking about it,” he recalled.
“We were discussing it on the way home and Helen told me she wanted to donate her organs.”
Mr Kropman said that, although no papers were signed at the time of his wife’s passing, at least when doctors approached him about organ donation, he knew the right answer.
“It was a very difficult time. It was so emotional, and we were crying but at least we knew we were helping people.
“Because I knew what Helen wanted, I was at ease with the decision.
“I would do it again, this minute, today.
“My wife passed away, there was not much more I could do, why not help other people.”
And while he understands organ donation is a sensitive topic to discuss with loved ones, he encouraged all families to be open and make their wishes known, before it was too late.
“There was so much support with the people at the hospital. I felt comfortable with the process, even though it was a tough time.”
He said nothing was more heart-warming than knowing people’s lives had been saved because of his wife.
“Sometimes I walk down the street and think that could be the person.
“I know of one lady who received Helen’s kidney and she couldn’t do anything before, but now she is a new woman.” Each time he receives a letter from someone thanking him for his wife’s selfless act; it puts a smile on his face.
DonateLife Week is this week.
For more information, visit donatelife.gov.au.
