The Light a Life Gala Dinner on 24 May drew a full house at Melbourne’s Ultima Function Centre, raising $165,000 for Transplant Australia. The event, fronted by medical student Aayushi Khillan and backed by her father, Dr Raj Khillan, was more than a fundraiser—it was a timely reminder of how lives can be transformed through a simple act: saying yes to organ donation.
Organised by Body Buddies and the Healthcare Awareness Society of Australia, the gala brought together over 430 attendees including federal and state ministers, members of parliament, mayors and consuls-general. Guests heard deeply personal stories from transplant recipients and donor families—accounts that moved the room and gave weight to a topic too often left unspoken.
Dr Raj Khillan, a paediatrician well-known for his work in Melbourne’s western suburbs, praised the impact of the night. “The Light a Life Gala Dinner… led with love and passion by our daughter Aayushi Khillan, was a smashing success—raising an incredible $165,000,” he wrote in a public note. “Your kindness is measured not just in dollars, but in lives saved and hope given.”
The cause is pressing. According to Transplant Australia, more than 1,800 Australians are currently waiting for an organ transplant, and one donor can save up to seven lives. Yet despite widespread public support, registration rates remain uneven—particularly within multicultural communities, where myths, stigma or lack of information often slow uptake.
This is where initiatives like Body Buddies come in. The social enterprise, founded by Aayushi, produces soft toys shaped like organs to help children understand the human body. Beyond classrooms, these quirky educational tools have sparked conversation around health and donation at dinner tables and clinics. Aayushi was recognised with the Diana Award for her work—an honour awarded globally to young people making a difference.
Half of Body Buddies’ profits now go towards Transplant Australia. The collaboration marks a shift towards more grassroots-driven advocacy, especially with younger Australians stepping into the fold.
The evening also featured silent auctions, video tributes, and cultural performances. But it was the spoken stories—raw, often tearful—that defined the event. A mother who lost her son to a car crash spoke of how his decision to be a donor gave others a second chance. A young transplant recipient recounted waking up after surgery with “a second life and a second family.”
While funds help with awareness campaigns, education, and support services, advocates are quick to point out that the act of registering remains free. The ask is simple: talk to your family and register online. The Australian Organ Donor Register can be accessed through Medicare or the myGov portal.
Dr Khillan’s closing words on the night echoed a shared sentiment: “Let’s keep the momentum alive. Have the conversation. Register today. Leave a legacy.”
As far as evenings go, it was elegant and emotional—but more importantly, it left something behind: a roomful of people who will likely speak to someone new about organ donation. And that, according to those who know the statistics, is exactly what needs to happen.
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🌟 Light a Life Gala raises $165K for @TransplantAus. 🏥 430+ attendees hear emotional donor stories. 💙 @rajkhillan009 & daughter Aayushi champion organ donation awareness. 🧸 Body Buddies educates kids while funding the cause. #TheIndianSun
🔗 https://t.co/4cHdw2H3LD pic.twitter.com/Y1wjiJ3XAt
— The Indian Sun (@The_Indian_Sun) May 27, 2025
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