Will Chapman recovering from transplant operation, will keep campaigning for change
Former UM staffer Will Chapman is currently recovering from a successful transplant operation.
Chapman created the Gracious Gift campaign to promote the need for people to sign up to the organ donor registry while on the waiting list for a double transplant.
The campaign was amplified by UM, which orchestrated a bid to encourage media owners to donate space after sister agency McCann re-cut Chapman’s TVC and created an accompanying online presence.
Chapman was an account executive at UM until he became too ill to work. He told Mumbrella that he would continue the campaign: “I have seen far too many of my friends in their 20’s miss out, and the solution is there.”
He added a note to the Gracious Gift Facebook page today which reads:
“A week ago today my life was saved by a beautiful organ donor and their loved ones decision to honour their wishes. I’ll never be able to thank my donor or their family but their selfless act in immense tragedy has saved my life, transforming me from the most desperate condition to a position of stability where I can ponder my future. Words will never be enough to describe my appreciation and gracefulness for this selflessness. Thank you to my family, Professor Allan Glanville, Professor David Celermajer, Professor Peter MacDonald and the amazing surgery team lead by Dr Phillip Spratt for providing an irreplaceable, world best service. Physiotherapist, nurses, wards staff and everyone else who contributes to the functioning behind scenes, I also thank you. Looking forward to recovering and ensuring this problem is resolved, because today alone we will again lose another 3 because of Australia’s donor crisis. W, xx”
The staff of Mumbrella and Encore Magazine wish Chapman a speedy recovery.
What a brave and inspiring young man!
Good luck Will.
Those bloody onions.
An amazingly inspiring guy! Thank you to the donor’s family for saving the life of our friend, it was the ultimate selfless act at what must have been an incredibly difficult time.
Wishing you a speedy recovery Will – hang in there buddy, the worst is over. Can’t wait to see you back in the office, in the meantime we’ll continue to spread the word on organ donation!
Best news I’ve read all week!! All the best Will. My whole family (I am 1 of 5) have registered as organ donors just from watching your story a couple of months ago. BIG thumbs up to you and I hope you have a speedy recovery.
great news, so happy to hear it. I was more moved by WIll’s story and this campaign than any advertising, ever. It was a brilliant campaign
WOW! What an amazing outcome! All the best in recovery!
The greatest story in Mumbrella’s history.
I’ve also just registered to be an organ donor after reading this. I’ve been meaning to for months… thanks for the reminder about how important it is!
This is great news – we wish Will all the best for his recovery.
Will, you brought tears to many of us in the industry with such an honest and confronting issue. I was thrilled to read the update today. Wishing you a very speedy recovery and looking forward to hearing how you celebrate Christmas and the years ahead.
What an amazing outcome. Cannot begin to fathom the sort of gratitude Will would be feeling.
Great News Will. Good luck on your recovery.
Best,
/y0z
That’s our boy!!
Can’t wait to see you back at work.
This is fabulous news. Wishing you a speedy recovery Will.
Will, another group that must be recognised and thanked is the people in the hospital who identified your donor and then successfully requested the family to consent to the donation.
Great to see you doing so well
Brian
Like all industry colleagues I was incredibly touched by Will’s story and am so pleased to read this wonderful news. Best wishes to you Will.