| Living legacy eases pain FORMER champion diver Alison Lazenby had a simple dream. She wanted to marry her boyfriend, James McGillion, and have a family of her own. Even though Al and James were only young, they were meant to be together, her mother Majella, said. �And I know Al would have made a wonderful mother. Alison, 18, never had the chance to fulfil her dream. She woke early one morning in the Brisbane home she shared with her family, crying in pain. As her mother called an ambulance, Alison became unconscious. �I had to resuscitate her while I waited for the ambulance," Mrs Lazenby said. �She never regained consciousness.� Alison was rushed to hospital, her mother and younger brother Mark, and sister Justine, by her side. Her father, Peter and elder sister, Rebecca, were still living in Melbourne. "I had moved to Brisbane the year before; it was the Australian Institute of Sport's diving base and the place for Alison and Justine to train," Mrs Lazenby said. �Peter was still in Melbourne, looking for a job in Queensland, and Rebecca was studying at Melbourne University." From the hospital Mrs Lazenby made a frantic call to her husband and he rushed to Brisbane with Rebecca later that afternoon. They arrived at the hospital to learn Alison had suffered a brain haemorrhage and was not expected to live. "We had to wait 24 hours before tests could confirm Al was brain dead," Mrs Lazenby said. �But we had been told she had suffered major damage." Mrs Lazenby said although Alison had been forced to give up diving because of hereditary hip and joint problems, she had no other health problems. �We had no warning, no idea," she said. When it was confirmed the next day that Alison was brain-dead, her family asked that she become an organ donor. �I knew it was the right thing to do, it is what Al would have wanted," Mrs Lazenby said. �I do not remember ever having a 'deep and meaningful' with her about organ donation, but 1 know she agreed to it on her driver's licence. I know Al would have been happy about it and that made the decision easier. I had no doubts it was the right thing to do.� Her family and boyfriend stayed at the hospital as Alison was taken to surgery and they were able to see her again after. �She looked beautiful,� Mrs Lazenby said. �No tubes, dressed in her pyjamas. We were able to say our goodbyes.� The family learnt that Alison's heart valves, lungs, liver and kidneys were given to six people. �I have received letters from some of the families of recipients," Mrs Lazenby said. �It was difficult receiving them, but it was also good as well. It meant that Alison's death was not a total waste.� She remembers her daughter as beautiful, bright and caring; a child with so much potential. Alison and Justine took up diving in Melbourne in 1992 and within four years, the sisters were the national synchronised diving champions. Both girls had been good gymnasts, but suffered knee, hip and joint problems. Alison's chronic joint pain eventually forced her to give up competitive diving, but she planned to coach. Justine 16, is still diving and represented Australia at the world junior diving titles last year. "She did not do as well as hoped," Mrs Lazenby said. �It was a huge battle for Justine just to make it to the titles so soon after Al's death.� Justine is aiming to make the Australian team for the 2002 world junior titles." Mrs Lazenby said it was right that Alison's story was told today to help launch the national organ donor registry. "I will be joining today, and so will family and many of Alison's friends,� she said. "It will be in memory of Alison.� Mrs Lazenby said it was not fair that Alison did not get to fulfil all her dreams. "But there are six families who have not had to lose a loved one thanks to Alison," she said. �I know how difficult it is to lose someone you love, to lose a child, but Alison has left a wonderful legacy." She said this helped her come to terms with her daughter's death. "Not every day, but it is a positive that has come out of the worst thing that could happen to a family.� For details on the Australian Organ Donor Register, ring 1800 777 203 during business hours or visit the website www.hic.gov.au/organ. November 12, 2000 Page 15 |