The Life after Drew campaign was created about 2 years ago when the Abela family lost their beloved son and brother, Drew. Kenneth and Sharon, Drew's parents immediately volunteered to donate his organs and Drew helped save and improve the life of 7 people who were the recipients of his organs.
After this momentous happening in their life, Kenneth and Sharon together with Kenneth's sister, Claire, decided to transform their tragedy into something positive to help others who are waiting for a donor, and also to honour their beloved son, and nephew, Drew. And the Life after Drew campaign was brought to life. The Abela family combined forces with the Transplant Support Group (Malta) that has been active in Malta for over 20 years, and an awareness campaign was launched.
On Valentine's Day, the next step of the campaign was launched: a drive to encourage people to sign up as organ donors. People are being encouraged to sign up and then post a selfie showing a heart on Facebook and on Instagram with a message to encourage other people to join.
A number of people in the Maltese public eye have already taken up the challenge, signed up, and shared their photo, including the ladies from Ilsien in-Nisa: Clare Agius, Pauline Agius, Claire Agius Ordway; Rodney Gauci, Edward Mercieca, Laura Vella; Yasmin Zammit Stevens; Anna Vella; Mrs Michelle Muscat, Pauline Vassallo and Patricia Galea from the Helath Promotion Unit, Tezara, Winston Zahra & all his family, the MorningVive Team - Martina, Jonathan and Jd Patrick.
Her Excellency the President Mrs Marie-Louise Coleiro led this initiative by being one of the first to sign up as a registered organ donor.
And many more are planning to join this initiative.
The Life after Drew campaign as part of Transplant Support Group is inviting members of the public to join this initiative and make a statement of love: sign up as an organ donor - it doesn't cost you anything but you could save more than one life - are you ready to be a #hero? Sign up on organdonation.gov.mt