Update on Kidney Donor Match of Schoolfriends in Joburg and Canada
Whilst waiting anxiously to find out if her old classmate, who now lives in Canada, will be the perfect match for her to receive a lifesaving kidney, Johannesburg-based Di Wilkinson has been updating her blog “Diary of a Living Donation”. As reported by SAPeople last month, Di and Jill Hamilton (née Symes), first met in their teens at school in […]
Whilst waiting anxiously to find out if her old classmate, who now lives in Canada, will be the perfect match for her to receive a lifesaving kidney, Johannesburg-based Di Wilkinson has been updating her blog “Diary of a Living Donation”.
As reported by SAPeople last month, Di and Jill Hamilton (née Symes), first met in their teens at school in Zimbabwe. Now in their 50’s, they’ve been reunited in a quest for Jill to be a “living donor” for Di who desperately needs a kidney transplant.
The crucial HLA tissue tests have been done… and the two women have to wait four to six weeks for the results to discover whether their tissues will match or reject each other.
The blog not only offers the friends a chance to release the tension of waiting, but also allows them to raise much needed awareness, especially in South Africa, about the possibility of being a live organ donor for someone in need.
Here is Di’s latest update…
“Good day friends. Already one week down, about three weeks to go to get the results of the tissue matching. I have to confess, during this “in-between” time, I started questioning myself: “what value do I bring to this world?”
“People and children are dying in the most abhorrent circumstances, natural disasters are claiming human and animal lives at a hell of a rate… is my puny little life worth saving in the midst of such chaos?
“Should I not just let nature take it’s course?
“I am neither depressed, nor looking for sympathy, but I think it is a fair question considering my present circumstances.
“In the end, I consulted someone whose opinions I value greatly, and after some discussion, we came to the conclusion that every living being has the right to live, no matter if they are – or are not – contributing to the economy, incapacitated in some way, or not even nice people.
“As the human race, we are in it together to make the world a better place.
“Neither Jill nor I are interested in recognition, our mission is to raise awareness for live donations to save lives, surely the most precious thing on earth.
“So, without sounding “preachy”, go out and help someone today (or an animal) – it validates yourself and will unquestionably benefit the receiver.
“Canada, we are thinking of you with these devastating fires.
“21 days left and counting….Love Di xxx”
A Mother’s Day Message from Legh to Di:
To my mom, words cannot not describe the admiration I have for you. Your courage through the last three years has been unbelievable. In your darkest moments you have this innate ability to still consider others first. Your mental strength amazes me as you tackle blow after blow. I know you will be blessed with a donor (we do desperately hope that it is Jill, after seven very special people have failed to match), as you just have so much to offer this world. You have taught me endless life lessons but one thing I will always strive to be, is to be as KIND as you are. I am so grateful for all you do for me, all you have taught me and for moulding me into the person I am today. If I can be half the mother you have been to us three one day, I will have succeeded.
To all those who don’t physically have their mothers with them today, know that they are with you in spirit and still sharing everyday with you.
Happy Mother’s Day!
MORE
- Facebook: www.fb.com/DiaryofaLivingDonation/
- Blog: livingdonationblog.worldpress.com