OPEN LETTER TO TOM LONERGAN
Ben Jensen 25 September 2007

By Ben Jensen ALLAN TURNER, founder of Zaidee's Rainbow Foundation has written the following open letter to Tom Lonergan, Geelong's courageous winner of the Norm Goss Medal for the best on ground in Sunday's VFL Grand Final. Lonergan nearly lost his life just over twelve months ago, losing a kidney during an AFL match against Melbourne at Skilled Stadium.

Then 22, Lonergan was playing in his seventh AFL game, and appeared to have found his niche as a utility, mainly playing in the backline. Backing back into a pack to make a gallant mark attempt in spite of the approaching Melbourne forward Brad Miller and Geelong defender Matt Egan, something seen half a dozen times a match, Lonergan was struck in the back and immediately fell to the ground. Spectators nearby immediately sensed danger, declaring he'd have broken ribs, but nobody foresaw the life threatening events of that evening.

He may only have one kidney, but Tom sure isn't small hearted. Just weeks following his life-changing experience, Tom became an ambassador of Zaidee's Rainbow Foundation, a foundation that aims to raise awareness of tissue and organ donation. Zaidee Turner tragically died aged just 7 years old. As a registered organ donor, Zaidee was able to help save the life of others. Her parents, Kim and Allan Turner, developed the idea of rainbow bootlaces, which most AFL fans would now be aware of.

Open Letter to Tom Lonergan,

It is with great pride that Zaidee's Rainbow Foundation having such an inspirational person that I kindly asked to become our first ambassador for Zaidee's campaign in Tom.

Who through his determination and unconditional motivation to achieve one of his goals in life from last year and that was simply to play footy again.

Tom wore Zaidee's Rainbow Shoelaces in the Grand Final and for that awareness and support we thank Tom.

To the rest of Geelong players that also wore the laces in many more than our requested one game this year I thank you for making organ and tissue awareness a talking point in Footy.

I wish all players, coaches, officials and the supporters of Geelong the very best for the 2007 Grand Finial and look forward to your support again in 2008.

I am sure that our little Zaidee would also be grateful to Tom as she watched and cheered from above on the weekend.

Best wishes,

Allan Turner
Chief Executive Officer
Zaidee's Rainbow Foundation

http://www.zaidee.org