After the passing of beloved community figure Monica Dhingra, her family continues her legacy through organ donation advocacy

When Melbourne woman Cherry Dhingra lost her mother Monica last year, she also witnessed the extraordinary power of one final act of kindness.
Monica, a much-loved and respected member of Melbourne’s Indian community, became an organ and tissue donor after suffering an unsurvivable stroke. Her selfless decision transformed the lives of seven people — a legacy her family now carries forward by championing awareness about organ donation across the community.
“She lived to help others,” says Cherry, reflecting on her mother’s life of compassion and service. “Even in her passing, she gave others a second chance at life. That is the truest reflection of who she was.”
Monica’s generosity was not confined to one cause or group. She devoted her time and energy to community organisations including Compassionate Hand, Northern Region Indian Seniors Association, Indian Australian Association, Sewa, ISCA, Sahara Victoria Association, and ASHA Global Foundation, among others. Friends and peers often described her as a “beacon of light” — someone whose presence lifted others and whose actions inspired many.
After becoming a permanent resident of Australia in 2015, Monica found deep meaning in community service. Her belief in giving back became a defining part of her life — a belief that ultimately guided her decision to become an organ donor.

Cherry recalls that only months before her stroke, Monica had read about organ donation and expressed her wish to help others in that way. When the time came, the family knew exactly what she wanted.
Both Cherry and her brother Anmol remain deeply grateful to their father Rajinder for making the courageous decision to honour Monica’s wishes in their moment of greatest grief.
“It only takes one minute to register as an organ and tissue donor,” says Cherry. “That single minute could give someone a lifetime.”
The Dhingra family now urges members of the Indian community to visit donatelife.gov.au or use myGov to register as organ and tissue donors — and, just as importantly, to share that decision with their families.
“By saying yes, you can change someone’s world forever,” Cherry says. “That is what Mum did — and that is how we continue her light.”

Give the Gift of Life
• One donor can save up to seven lives and help many more through tissue and eye donation.
• About 1,800 Australians are waiting for a transplant, and 14,000 on dialysis could benefit from a kidney transplant.
• Four in five Australians support organ donation, but only one in three are registered.
• Families are more likely to agree when they know your wishes — eight in ten say yes if you are registered.
• All major religions support organ and tissue donation. Age or health are rarely barriers.

Register in one minute at donatelife.gov.au or via myGov.