Tess’s final act of love inspires

As DonateLife Week approaches, we reflect on the life and legacy of one of our own, Tess Thompson, whose final act of organ donation continues to inspire.

Tess was a critical care nurse with 30 years’ experience specialising in intensive care and emergency units, with her last role being critical care outreach nurse at Townsville University Hospital (TUH).

Tess passed away suddenly in 2024 from a suspected heart attack.

She had just finished her shift and gone home, before being brought back to the hospital and admitted to the TUH intensive care unit (ICU).

Tess’s close friend of 25 years and fellow critical care outreach nurse Tash Mastrippolito said Tess lived and breathed her work as a nurse.

“She began her health career in Bowen and Mackay and started working at Townsville General Hospital in the cardiothoracic ICU almost three decades ago,” Tash said.

“Everyone knew Tess; her work was her life, she was so dedicated.

“Tess was a passionate advocate for organ donation, so much so that when we opened Tess’s wallet her donor card was right there in plain sight,” Tash said.

“It is special that on the most tragic day of a family’s life, they can feel some peace knowing that their loved one was able to help somebody else.

“Tess’s gift was one little glimmer of hope for all of us in the midst of losing her.”

Tess’s funeral was attended by more than 600 people including the ambulance crews, medical, allied health, and operational staff she had worked with throughout her career.

DonateLife Week runs from Sunday 27 July to Sunday 3 August.

DonateLife’s donation specialist nurse coordinator Meagan Baldwin said Tess’s legacy was a shining example of how one person could make a lasting difference.

“Individuals like Tess give others a second chance at life,” Meagan said.

“While four in five Australians say they support organ donation, only one in three registers.

“DonateLife Week is a time to change that, to have the conversation, to make the decision, and to register.”