By Kyra Gillespie
The importance of organ donating will be front and centre for family and friends of Longwarry crash victim Georgia Rose Larsen when they take on the Run Melbourne fun run next month.
The late 15-year-old’s nearest and dearest will unite on Sunday 29 July to honour Georgia’s life and raise vital funds for Donate Life.
The event will coincide with the beginning of Organ Donor Week and take place just four days after Georgia’s birthday.
When a horror car crash claimed the life of the Garfield teenager earlier this year, the Larsen family made the decision to donate Georgia’s organs.
It was a decision that was close to the Larsen family’s heart, as Georgia’s grandfather Rob received a life-saving donor lung nine years ago.
He spent over six months on the waiting list before a match became available.
“I think we are very unique in that we have a granddaughter and grandfather who have both been touched by the Donate Life program,” Georgia’s mum Tracy Larsen said.
“It’s very rare for a family to experience organ donating from both sides – the giving and receiving sides.”
Ever since Rob was given the gift of life, organ donating has been an openly-discussed topic in the Larsen household.
“Georgia was a massive advocate for organ donating” Georgia’s dad Shannon Larsen said.
“We felt heartbroken when we made the call to donate Georgie’s organs, but also a sense of euphoria knowing she has saved other lives and that part of her is continuing to live on.”
When I asked the Larsen family to describe what Georgia was like, the whole room erupted with laughter and anecdotes about the “cheeky,” “sassy,” and “hilarious” school girl.
Georgia had a “heart of gold” and a love for animals.
Her mum Tracy recounted how one time, on a scorching hot summer’s day, she came home to find all her Tupperware in the driveway full of water.
Georgia had explained that they were for the magpies – to help them cool off.
Another time she found four abandoned kittens out the front of the family property in Garfield and was adamant they had to keep all four of them.
To this day the four friendly cats can be seen lazing happily around the property.
She was the kind of person who stood up for what she believed in.
Sister Maddie laughed as she recalled the time her little sister broke up a fight between two Year 7 boys at Drouin Secondary College.
Year 9 Georgia got between the two boys and told them to “cut it out.” She even scored herself a canteen voucher for her heroics.
“She’s my guardian angel,” grandfather Rob said.
If there’s anything to take from this terrible loss, it’s that tragedy can strike when least expected.
Georgia was bursting through the world at full speed, with all the sparkle and drive of a 15-year-old chasing hopes and dreams and an exciting future ahead before she lost her life.
What the Larsen family have endured is a strong testament to the importance of having the conversation with loved ones about becoming an organ donor.
Because one never knows when they, or someone they love, might need that gift of life.
“It’s so important to sign up to be an organ donor and have the conversation with your family,” Tracy said.
“Because at the end of the day, your loved ones will have the final say.
“It could save a person’s life one day.”
To contribute to ‘In Memory Of Georgia Larsen Team,’ click here: inmemory.gofundraise.com.au/page/chelseaforrester
