T H E B AROS S A MAG | 35
>> LEFT: Megan McLoughlin cuddles Elsie Robinson, a four year waiting for a kidney transplant.
Married at Collingrove Homestead,
the couple settled in Tanunda and
Megan became the first double
transplant recipient in South Australia
to have a baby.
“I had Sam at 36 weeks and one day.
He was the most successful baby born
in the world to a double transplant
recipient because of his gestational
period.”
Baby daughter, Ella entered the
world soon after and Megan and
Mark couldn’t be happier with how
their lives have panned out.
Along the way, Megan founded the
charity “Herd of Hope” and decided
to take 40 head of cattle from the
Barossa to the sands of Bondi Beach,
in a whacky idea that focussed the
entire nation’s attention on the serious
issues surrounding organ donation.
“We wanted to create awareness…
We are 23rd in the world at organ
donations, why are we so poor when
we have the most successful transplant
results? Something has to change.”
The successful event was a massive
undertaking and brought volunteers
and supporters from all walks of life
to join together for a common cause
which, much to Megan’s surprise, led
her to being named the 2019 Australian
Local Hero and Australian of the
Year finalist.
Since then, the charity has raised
funds to support donor families
and organ recipients through
a range of programmes.
“That’s the start of the journey. For that
donor family and transplant recipient,
the game’s just started. We’ve seen
a huge gap in the services and have
helped fund a study that’s proved
we want peer support.”
As someone who is not afraid to say
she’s survivor guilt, Megan admits to
shedding “buckets of tears” over the
28 year old woman who died just before
Christmas nine years ago, and gave her
the gift of life.
As a result, she has become a strong
advocate for mental health, with the
recent “Day in the Paddock” initiative
yet another example of Megan
generating enthusiasm within her
community to provide support.
“We’ve got to stop waiting for a
tragic event to bring people together!’
she urges.
“We see it in organ donation all
the time, in floods, droughts, fires.
Come together on a positive note!
As Australians, it’s always oh, we’ll deal
with that tomorrow. Guess what?
For some people tomorrow doesn’t
come, so why not be the best you
can be today?
“Have fun and laugh at yourself.
I’m right where I am supposed to
be, even though my road is a bit rocky
sometimes. Sure, I take about 47 tablets
a day, but I’d take 700 if it means
I’m still here!”
Mon - FRI: 6am - 3pm // SAT: 6am - NOON
SUN: 6am - noon // CLOSED PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
8563 3973
Shop 3/56 Murray Street, Tanunda