Patient Stories
They have given me the ability to live this amazing life
Alison's Story
In 2001 I received this miraculous gift of a transplant. I had been very sick while waiting for a transplant and lived every day in fear my life would end before it was restored.
My story could have been sadly different like so many who’s second chance never comes. The gratitude I feel towards my donor and the incredible transplant team at the John Hunter Hospital is immeasurable. They have given me the ability to live this amazing life and my family back their mother, wife, daughter & sister.
Michael's Story
When I was 18, I woke up one morning with one swollen leg. My GP referred me to a kidney specialist as I had traces of protein and blood in my urine. Further extensive testing including a kidney biopsy revealed I had an acute kidney disease which was rapidly killing off both my kidneys.
Kidney Dialysis was a very tough period. Fortunately my wife and family were there every step of the way keeping me positive throughout the process. My mother went through extensive tests to see if she was able to donate her kidney to me.
After 9 months of dialysis, my mother was told she was able to donate her gift of life to me.
I am 32 years old; still blessed with my mother’s kidney with only a few hiccups along the way. I am able to again surf, play football and golf. Best of all through the transplantation process my wife and I have one beautiful 2 year old daughter and another miracle baby on the way! Myself, my mother and my new family live a normal life today thanks to the transplantation process. A big thank you goes out to the whole Newcastle Transplant Team who made this possible.
Madilyn's Story-9 yrs old
The thing I love best about my transplant is being a normal girl again, just like everyone else. I can swim, go to the beach and play in my backyard. I can have sleep overs and we can even go camping in our caravan. I can eat and drink whatever I want now.
I don’t have to be hooked up to my dialysis machine every night, so sometimes I get to stay up late.