"Marianne's Organ Donation Journey"

Dear Friends and Supporters,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits. I am writing to you today with a heartfelt plea for assistance on behalf of my dear friend, Marianne Thrush, who has embarked on a remarkable journey of resilience and hope.

Marianne's story is one of courage, perseverance, and the unwavering determination to embrace life despite facing unimaginable challenges. Twelve months ago, Marianne was faced with a dire situation, having been born with a rare disease that had taken a severe toll on her body. Over the past 14 years, she endured surgeries and the removal of some of her organs while others struggled to function. Her life hung in the balance, and the only glimmer of hope lay in the possibility of a multi-organ transplant.

Marianne and her mother Lorraine’s journey was one of tenacity, as they moved to Melbourne, far away from their extended family, and waited for over a decade for that life-changing call. We had all but given up hope, witnessing Marianne's rapid deterioration, until that fateful day in May 2022 when the call finally came. Within days, Marianne was in surgery, undergoing a complex and gruelling procedure. Her indomitable spirit shone through as she not only survived the lengthy surgery but also embarked on a remarkable path to recovery.

While Marianne faced some complications in the months that followed, she began the slow process of rebuilding her life—a life she had scarcely dared to dream of. The generosity of an organ donor family, in the midst of their own heartache, made this transformation possible. A young boy's precious gift of life gave Marianne a second chance, and we, as a family, will forever be grateful for their selflessness and compassion.

Marianne's dreams have always been driven by a deep passion for real estate. Even during her hospitalisation, she pursued her real estate license, displaying unwavering determination. Today, she works part-time at Morrison Kleeman Estate Agents in Doreen and aspires to go full-time in the near future. She lives each day with hope, gratitude, and a profound sense of purpose, honouring the little hero within her.

However, Marianne continues to face daily challenges on her journey to recovery. The need for daily medications to prevent organ rejection, regular check-ups at the Austin Hospital, and painful procedures weigh heavily on her. Her dream of having a home to call her own and a reliable car feels like a distant goal. The ongoing financial burden of living in such fragile circumstances is not only stressful but emotionally draining.

This is where your support can make a world of difference. Any small donation you can contribute will go towards helping Marianne cover her mounting medical bills and move one step closer to the life she envisions for herself—a life filled with independence, stability, and the simple pleasures that most 34-year-olds take for granted.

You can make a donation with "For Marianne Thrush" in the memo line. Your generosity will not only ease Marianne's financial burdens but also serve as a symbol of hope, reminding her that there is a community of caring individuals who believe in her dreams.

Marianne's journey is a testament to the power of resilience, the beauty of organ donation, and the strength of the human spirit. Your support can help her continue this incredible journey with optimism and determination.

Thank you for taking the time to read Marianne's story and consider contributing to her cause. Your kindness and compassion mean the world to Marianne.

With heartfelt gratitude and warm regards Amanda McGibbon