Helen Day always described her son, Stewart, as a giver.
"He was a bit of a joker but he had such a giving nature," Ms Day said.
"He dedicated his life to helping people."
But Stewart Orme's life was cut short in 2012.
Just four days shy of his 24th birthday, he died after a motorcycle accident near Point Hut Crossing in Canberra's south.
Shortly after, his family decided to donate Stewart's organs.
"Knowing Stewart's strong support for organ donation, it made it a much easier decision to make," Ms Day said.
Stewart's death helped six other people to live fuller, healthier lives.
"Stewart actually helped a seven-year-old boy who was close to death," Ms Day said.
"He also helped two men who were over 50 — a lung recipient and a heart recipient.
"A woman who received one of Stewart's kidneys and his pancreas wanted to become a nurse and through his donation was able to do that and help other people.
"It's just wonderful hearing those stories."
Gift of life formally acknowledged
From today, Stewart's gift of life will be formally recognised by the ACT government.
In an Australian-first, the ACT now offers an opt-in system for families to apply online to have their loved one's death certificate and the death register amended to include these words: "The deceased gave a gift of life, generously donating organ/tissue."
They can also apply for a letter of acknowledgment from ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr.
Hannah Bartlett, who suddenly lost her mum to a brain bleed last year, has been eagerly awaiting this day.
"We actually found out the day before my mum passed away that this change was coming in the ACT," Ms Bartlett said.
Hannah's mother, Fiona – a mother of three who "lived her life to the fullest" – was only 51 when she died in May last year.
"Mum was in really good health and just like that, she collapsed with a brain bleed and didn't wake up," Ms Bartlett said.
"I guess it's a good reminder to live every day like it's your last."
Hannah can distinctly remember the conversations she had with her mum about organ donation before her sudden death.
"She had this 'why not?' attitude, that you should always try to help others, so it made it really easy for us in the end because we knew what her wishes were," she said.
"Honestly, donating her organs gave us a lot of comfort in a really difficult time. We were so proud of her."
Other states could follow suit
ACT Human Rights Minister Tara Cheyne first introduced the bill early last year and said the biggest challenge had been protecting the privacy of donors and their recipients.
"That's exactly why it's optional," Ms Cheyne said.
The only condition is that the death must have occurred in the ACT.
Ms Cheyne is hopeful other states and territories follow the ACT's lead.
"On paper, the change to the legislation is very simple and the legislation is largely very similar across the states and territories," Ms Cheyne said.
"So, what I'm hopeful for, and having spoken with donor families who are interstate, that with us being the first in Australia, we can be a template.
"I hope other jurisdictions are watching us, perhaps taking some inspiration from us."
Hannah is confident her mum would have welcomed having her heart and eye tissue donation formally recognised, but ultimately believes it is the family left behind that benefits.
"It's the act that's the most important but I think she would have liked the fact it helps us," she said.
"It's not huge, but it feels huge to us."
