By Denise Sharon Cahill, Western Suburbs Weekly
ROWENA Kendall is a strong advocate for organ donation.
The 27-year-old Cottesloe physiotherapist treated cystic fibrosis sufferer Sally Pratten, who died two years ago while waiting for a heart lung transplant.
Miss Kendall is the physiotherapist for the WA hockey team, which included Elizabeth “Lizzie” Watkins who died on the hockey field earlier this month and whose organs have been donated.
“Organ donation is so important because it can save lives,” she said.
“There’s so much research going in to a cure for cystic fibrosis and better treatment options but we need more organ donors.
“It’s something everyone can do.”
The Swanbourne Nedlands Surf Life Saving Club member and her fellow Curtin University physiotherapy students helped treat Sally.
Miss Kendall said she learnt a lot about cystic fibrosis through that experience and was inspired by Sally’s courage and determination.
So much so, she swam the Rottnest Channel Swim solo in ‘Swim for Sally’ last year, helping to raise more than $30,000 for Cystic Fibrosis WA. Sally’s parents own Capel Vale wines and sponsor the annual 65 Roses Grand Ball.