The quotation tattoo: Here's what it means and why it matters!

One small symbol, one massive purpose!

 

Johannesburg, South Africa (13 April 2022) – South Africans are taking to social to make it known and TELL the world why they are getting the quotation tattoo!

Life is the best gift you can give. It’s why TELL (Transplant Education for Living Legacies) helps educate South Africans about organ and tissue donation. TELL was created with heart, for hearts (and other organs).

One of the biggest problems we face in South Africa lies in the process of identifying and referring potential donors. South Africa already has a shortage of organ donors, and the lack of education around the situation is only making matters more difficult. It is also important to note that in South Africa, the donor’s family has the final say in whether or not organs are permitted to be donated.

But TELL have come up with a way to make it known and let the world know that you are an Organ Donor, and the campaign has turned into a trend of South Africans getting the quotation tattoo to broadcast just that!

Listen to the interview with Fawn Rogers here:

Just like the semicolon tattoo represents mental health struggles and the importance of suicide prevention, TELL has created the quotation tattoo to show the world that you are an Organ Donor.

It’s not an official symbol, but it’s an official statement that many South Africans are making.

Hundreds of South Africans have been posting the symbol, and even some celebs have taken up the cause. From Springboks player, Elton Jantjies to a 7de Laan actress… well-known personalities are using their voices to make it known.

In South Africa, there are thousands of people on the waiting list for life-saving organs. They rely on the generosity of people to decide to donate their organs once they have died. Up until the point of brain stem death, the ONLY priority is to save the patient’s life. The donor is treated with the utmost of respect, and the procurement of organs is treated like any other surgery.

The reality is that there are just too few organ donors to address this need, and consequently, many patients will not receive their organ transplant in time.

The organs that can be donated are as follows: 2 lungs, 2 kidneys, heart, liver (can be split between two recipients in some cases), and pancreas. You can also help between 50 and 100 people through the donation of your tissues. For example, your skin can be used to help burn victims, and your corneas can be used for cornea transplants to restore a person’s sight. You can also donate bone, heart valves, tendons, ligaments, and veins.

In South Africa currently, the only legally-binding way in which to donate your organs and tissue at the time of your death is for your next-of-kin to give their consent for your organs and tissue to be donated. This is the case even if you have registered to be an organ and tissue donor or have written your wishes in a will. It is therefore essential to let your family know of your wishes to be an organ and tissue donor.

The TELL team are arranging FREE tattoo days around the country with various tattoo studios to help you make it known!

Check out their Facebook and Twitter to keep up-to-date with the events!


Sources: TELL 
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About the Author

Brent Lindeque is the founder and editor in charge at Good Things Guy.

Recognised as one of the Mail and Guardian’s Top 200 Young South African’s as well as a Primedia LeadSA Hero, Brent is a change maker, thought leader, radio host, foodie, vlogger, writer and all round good guy.

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