“I was diagnosed with end stage renal failure in my teens.
I was dying. I spent three years mostly in hospital, sometimes getting well enough to go home, but still had to be on a dialysis machine.
I was waiting for an organ donor, but didn’t think I would actually get one. I started to get my affairs in order. I was 24 and still remember getting that phone call, it was a profound moment. I was in Hamilton and had to be driven to Auckland. I sat in a room with the other grateful recipients who were receiving some of the other donated organs from the same person. It was a surreal experience.
That was 16 and ½ years ago. My donated kidney is not a cure, but it is an incredible gift, which has allowed me to be here for my family. I make memories everyday and don’t take anything for granted. I surround myself with people who love life and are happy. Life is so precious!”
