UM staffer on transplant wait list creates organ donor campaign
A media agency staffer has created a campaign to raise awareness of the need for organ donation – as he himself awaits a life-saving transplant.
Will Chapman, an account executive at UM, wrote, directed and filmed the video himself. Chapman needs a double lung and heart transplant within months to survive.
The video features a number of Australian celebrities, including John Eales, Sally Fitzgibbons, Nathan Hindmarsh, Liz Ellis, INXS’s Kirk Pengilly and actress Ada Nicodemou.
Will Chapman told Mumbrella: “It would be incredible if we could share clips, encourage others to share the clips, have influential Australians discuss organ donation on air and through social media channels
so the negative connotations associated with it are abolished but most importantly have Aussie’s discuss their wishes with their families – our policies in Australia are virtually futile, because, god forbid, if the moment ever arises when you’re able to provide that gracious gift, the once meaningful tick on the licence or registration to be an organ donor becomes meaningless as your family can over-rule decisions. Hopefully the federal
government will overcome their inertia and save Australian lives.”
There are no plans at present to recut the film as a TVC, but Chapman is open discussion with media vendors who could provide free air time.
“You know how it works. You know people are dying because they aren’t receiving the gift. But you know it can change. Share this message and save a life” Chapman asks viewers in the video, which has already gained over 6,500 views on YouTube since it was uploaded on 30 June. The film was edited by WolfMoon Media. 
You can sign up to the Australian Organ Donor Register online.
Awesome….Good luck!!!!
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My hopes, wishes and prayers are with you and yours. Your courage and generosity is awe inspiring.
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Just registered online as an organ donor…how many new registrations can we get?
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bless you, what an inspirational video – congratulations
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Thankfully my husband survived heart failure after being placed on a transplant list. Be an organ donor and save many lives and make the ultimate difference in someone’s life.
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Well done Will! What better way to raise awareness about organ donation than to hear from someone who is personally affected by the issue.
My mum had a double lung transplant last year so I know how difficult it is waiting for ‘the call’.
Best of luck to you and your family
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this hits close to home for me having lost a friend to the same condition. good on you will, you are truly inspirational!!
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A very inspiring creation, and well done on putting yourself out there and being active to make a difference. I’m using all my resources to help spread the word. I hope this cause makes a difference, and that you get a call for that transplant.
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As an industry that Will hopes to be a part of for a long time to come i really hope all the media owners who read this will get behind his cause and help in anyway they can to make his wish of a higher organ donation rate. Great interveiw on Sunrise this morning.
He is currently doing all his own PR from his bed so any pro bono work from PR agencies would also help. He is an exceptional young man! His family whom i have known for a while are top class, they dont come better than the Chapmans and i look forward to watching you Will one day getting up and receving an MFA or similar for the work you have done! With no budget your message is being received loud and clear and nice job to the creative agency who also helped him out.
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