“Cowards die many times before their deaths; the valiant never taste of death but once.”
William Shakespeare
“God is good all the time”
Wednesday’s lungs have gone to heaven and sadly taken my donor sister, Rena with them. This post is a tribute to my donor sister, Rena – (Rowena Louise Vandermade Laulilii). Rena shared the same donor as me, Wednesday.
Rena is survived by her loving parents, Ernest and Rowena, her adoring family, Jimmy, Enesi and Carter and many more devoted family and friends.
In Memory of Rowena Laulilii: A Story of Courage, Resilience, and Shared Hope
Rowena’s life was a testament to the power of resilience and the enduring spirit of hope. Diagnosed at 3 months of age, Rena lived with cystic fibrosis (CF). CF is a genetic disorder that primarily affects the lungs and digestive systems. It is caused by a mutation in the CFTR gene. CF leads to chronic respiratory and digestive tract issues and infections. It is a life threatening condition with no known cure, only management options.
CF tested Rena’s limits but never diminished her sense of purpose. Rena was a warrior and campaigner for Cystic Fibrosis awareness. Rena created a blog and FaceBook page named Diaries of a Salty Mummy x . She raised funds for CF through fundraisers and special events. Her journey through two double lung transplants was one of remarkable courage, a journey that touched the lives of everyone who knew her.
Double Lung Transplant: A Ray of Hope
In October 2020, Rowena received her first double lung transplant. This moment was a turning point in her battle against CF, offering her a renewed sense of hope and a chance at a life less burdened by the weight of her illness.
Unfortunately, the world was thrown into the global turmoil of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, Rena contracted the flu followed by COVID. The virus caused irreparable damage to her new lungs.
When Rowena’s first transplant was compromised by COVID, it was clear that she would need a second chance at life. In January 2023 Rena was readmitted to St Vincent’s for treatment and the work up for transplant listing. On Wednesday 17th May 2023, she received that chance—a second double lung transplant. Rena was blessed with lungs from our donor, Wednesday.
Wednesday: A Shared Gift of Life
Rowena and I shared something incredibly special—a connection to the same organ donor, whom we affectionately called “Wednesday.” We met on a Wednesday, a day that symbolised the midpoint of the week, a “hump day” that we believed represented our triumph over the major challenges of our illnesses. For us, Wednesday was more than just a day; it was a symbol of hope, resilience, and the belief that we were over the worst of our struggles.
A Deep Connection
As donor sisters we quickly formed a strong and lasting bond. Together we fought the odds in the ICU and then recovered from our transplants in the same ward. Once discharged from hospital, we called and messaged frequently. We met up at the transplant clinic and cardiac rehabilitation. When Rena was readmitted to hospital I would visit her and take her cheese toasties. As organ recipients we shared a deep connection and understanding of the transplant journey.
As transplant patients, we understood that transplant would never be our cure, only a treatment with pitfalls and challenges to overcome for a lifetime ahead. We could relate as mum’s with illnesses which impact our families, lifestyles, dreams and accomplishments. When we were low we would challenge each other to gain strength and battle on for our families and loved ones. We laughed over mishaps and hospital events. Together, we sympathised over our hair loss and prednisone faces, poking fun at ourselves and each other.
A Final Goodbye
Sadly, despite her incredible strength and determination, Rowena’s battle came to an end on 7th July 2024. An infection and further complications of CF and enduring a second double lung transplant took her from us. With her passing, Wednesday’s lungs went to heaven, taking my dear donor sister with them. Rowena’s death was a profound loss, not just for her family and friends, but for everyone who had the privilege of witnessing her journey.
Rowena’s Legacy
Rowena’s story is one of inspiration. She faced every challenge with a grace and determination that few could match. Her life reminds us of the fragility of our own, but also of the incredible strength that lies within us. She lived fully, even in the face of overwhelming odds, and her legacy is one of hope, resilience, and the power of the human spirit to be forever, SASSY!!!
How do I describe Rena? Rena was down to earth, real, loving, funny, supportive, sassy and beautiful. Rena was great company and a gorgeous human. A person of faith. A dedicated Mum, wife, daughter, sister, aunty and friend. Her love was boundless and encompassed many.
Rowena’s passing is a reminder that life is precious, and that every moment we have is a gift. She will be missed, but her spirit lives on in the memories of those who knew and loved her. Her courage, her strength, and her unwavering hope will continue to inspire us all.
Vale, Rowena Laulilii, we miss you
X
Wednesday
References
Australian Cystic Fibrosis Research Trust. (2023). Cystic Fibrosis and the Impact of Lung Transplantation. https://www.cysticfibrosis.org.auTransplant Australia. (2024). The Gift of Life: Stories from Organ Recipients. https://www.transplant.org.au
Funeral Service of Rowena Louise Vandermade Laulilii
Follow the link to view the funeral service for Rena. What I learnt from watching this service:
Rena was loved by a great deal of people. Rena was part of a large, close, God loving family. Her family prepared her body and applied her makeup. They dressed her in her wedding dress. They decorated her coffin with flowers and lace. Dedicated family created T-shirts with Rena’s beautiful face.
I wrote a post about Planning Your Funeral Your Way. As a transplant patient end of life planning is part of the transplant work up process for all patients needing an organ transplant.
