Zaidee Rose Alexander Turner, aged 7 years and 22 days, died suddenly on 2nd December 2004 from a Cerebral Aneurysm. At the time of Zaidee’s death, the Turner family had been registered as organ and tissue donors for 5 years. Zaidee donated her Organs and Tissues at the Royal Children’s Hospital, as were her wishes at the time. From this gift, the lives of seven other people were improved or saved. Zaidee’s parents, Kim and Allan, founded Zaidee’s Rainbow Foundation to raise awareness of the need for increased organ and tissue donor registration in Australia. Zaidee was the only child under the age of 16 years who was an organ and tissue donor in Victoria this year and only 1 of 6 national children to be an organ donor in 2024.
Zaidee’s Rainbow Foundation partners with various organizations and sporting community members and hosts events promoting an active lifestyle. Through these partnerships, the foundation shares information and fosters discussion within families like the Turners about organ and tissue donation.
Zaidee’s Rainbow Foundation supports Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI). MCRI is Australia’s largest child health research institute and one of the top three worldwide for research quality and impact. Its more than 1200 talented researchers are dedicated to making discoveries that improve children’s health.
The role of Zaidee’s Rainbow Foundation is to “Inspire Discussion” nationally to help increase the donation rate in the wider community. To make everyone more aware of the benefits that organ and tissue donation can provide to those who need a transplant today or in the future. We own and run our event to raise awareness, education, and much-needed funds to allow us to do what we do best: to engage the community at all levels. To Inspire Discussion about a subject we don’t usually talk about. Zaidee’s Mad Cow Mud Run, National Motorcycle Event, and Sporting Events are all part of the way we go about our work.
Also, iconic products such as Zaidee’s Rainbow Shoelaces have been sold as the primary national symbol for organ and tissue donation for the past 19 years.
Zaidee’s Rainbow Cricket Bat Grips being used by Australian Cricket Players in high-profile matches.
Zaidee’s Book, “Chasing Rainbows,” is an educational tool I wrote to engage children with their parents in discovering what organ and tissue donation is all about.
Zaidee’s campaign, from the first day back in 2005, was all about getting sporting teams and clubs engaged in promoting a campaign to save and improve more lives in your community. Can your sports club or team help be part of this national campaign and have a Zaidee’s Round? Just ask me how [email protected] or 041 298 5211
Murdoch Children Research Institute (MCRI) is Australia’s most influential child health research institute and one of the top three globally. MCRI’s world-leading research improves clinical practice for diagnosing or treating children and adolescents, informs best practices in child healthcare, and shapes Government policy across Australia and worldwide. MCRI’s team of over 1500 researchers and staff is dedicated to making discoveries to give children and families the best possible outcomes for a healthy and fulfilled life.
