Alberton hero who saved thousands now fighting for his own life
After decades of selflessly serving the Alberton community as a frontline paramedic Kevin now faces a devastating health battle with only 6% kidney function and no access to dialysis.
For decades, Kevin Peel (47), a devoted paramedic and pillar of the Alberton community, has been the first to arrive in moments of crisis.
From roadside accidents to medical emergencies in the dead of night, he has responded selflessly.
But now, after a lifetime spent saving others, Kevin’s own life hangs in the balance, and he needs the community’s help to survive.
A life spent in service
Kevin, a Florentia resident, began his career in emergency medical services in 1995.
A graduate of Glenvista High School, he was born and raised in Johannesburg and has been a registered member of the National Paramedic Services for decades.
His unwavering commitment to public health has seen him serve tens of thousands across Alberton and the surrounding areas.
He said he remembers like it was yesterday how he always believed in giving people hope and telling them to be strong.
“I remember telling families not to give up, that we’d do everything we could. Now I need to hold onto that same hope myself,” Kevin said.
Even in his current condition, Kevin continues to support his community by answering phone calls from local residents seeking medical advice and first aid guidance when their loved ones fall ill or suffer emergencies.
His sense of duty has never wavered, even as his health declines.
A sudden and devastating diagnosis
In 2020, during a routine medical check-up required for his professional driving permit (PDP), Kevin received a life-altering diagnosis: end-stage renal failure.
“It came out of nowhere. One day I was preparing to continue my work, and the next I was told my kidneys were failing. It was a total shock,” he recalled.
Since then, Kevin has undergone dialysis three times a week in an attempt to stay alive.
The treatments are gruelling, both physically and financially, but essential to removing the toxins from his blood that his failing kidneys can no longer process.
Financial hurdles and medical aid setbacks
Due to life circumstances, the Peel family, Kevin, his wife Chantal, and their two daughters, Hayley and Sahara, were forced to suspend their private medical aid. This also meant halting lifesaving dialysis treatments when the costs became unmanageable.
Adding to the burden, their previous medical aid did not cover several dialysis sessions at National Renal Care or required blood tests conducted at Ampath.
The family is slowly working to repay these outstanding bills while fighting to resume treatment.
Recently, Kevin was able to apply for a new medical aid plan, but it comes with a cruel caveat, a 12-month waiting period for anything related to his renal condition.
The countdown to that period begins on September 1, meaning he will not receive any medical aid support for dialysis until at least September next year.
A critical situation
Kevin’s kidney function has now declined to just 6%. Without dialysis, his condition will continue to deteriorate as toxins accumulate in his system.
Each dialysis session costs over R1 900, and Kevin needs three per week. That amounts to over R22 000 a month just to stay alive.
Tragically, the public health system is currently unable to provide the dialysis he desperately needs.
Chantal described their frustration and fear as they try to navigate a system that has failed many.
A community’s plea
The Peel family has managed to raise R15 000 toward the goal of R300 000, enough to fund Kevin’s dialysis until he is covered by medical aid, through BackaBuddy. But the road ahead is steep, and time is of the essence.
Kevin remains hopeful and deeply moved by the support he has received so far.
“Even now, I still get calls from people in the community asking what to do when their child falls or when their grandmother collapses. I help where I can,” he said.
The Alberton Record has received numerous calls from residents urging us to share Kevin’s story, citing the countless times he has helped save lives and offered comfort during medical emergencies.
How you can help
Any contribution, no matter how small, can make a life-saving difference.
Donations can be made through the BackaBuddy campaign or by contacting the family directly at their widely known number, 072 853 2558.
Kevin is not just a paramedic. He is a father, a husband, and a hero. He has spent his life bringing others back from the brink.
