Hope for little Conor a year after kidney transplant

“It’s amazing; he’s now a healthy, normal boy who got a second chance at life.”

These are the words of Santie Botha of Sunward Park almost a year after her grandson, Conor van Baalen (8), received a kidney transplant.

At just 22 months old, Conor became extremely ill and after two months of medical tests, he went for a kidney biopsy. He was later diagnosed with focal segmental glomerular sclerosis (FSGS), a kidney disease that is often difficult to treat, affecting each patient differently.

FSGS is not a single disease but rather a pattern of kidney damage and is one of the most common causes of nephrotic syndrome, especially in children and adolescents.

Conor’s nephrologist tried several treatments and by the end of 2017, doctors confirmed that his FSGS was steroid-resistant.

The only thing that could help Conor was a kidney transplant. His parents, Hennie and Santie, instantly began the quest to find a kidney for Conor.

About a year later, Danie de Wet donated one of his kidneys to the boy. The surgery took place at the Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre on February 25, 2020.

“I believe the transplant was a success. He’s doing great and is much more energetic now. He even started swimming. Furthermore, he doesn’t have to go for dialysis anymore. We’ll be forever grateful that Danie gave his kidney to Conor,” she said.

The grandmother added Conor also went to school for the first time this year.

“He’s attending Laerskool Elspark with his twin brother, Kody, and is adapting extremely well. He loves his teacher and is making new friends. Conor couldn’t start school with his brother as he got too tired,” she explained.

However, doctors are still keeping a close eye on the little boy’s health.

“Unfortunately, Conor’s disease is incurable and we don’t know how long the kidney is going to last. He still needs to go for regular check-ups and tests. We’re doing everything in our power to protect his kidneys. Conor is also struggling with hypertension,” she pointed out.

She urged members of the public to become organ donors.

“I want to encourage people to register as organ donors. You can help so many people. Your impact can be enormous,” she said.

To register as an organ donor, visit www.odf.org.za

The grandmother highlighted that they will soon start to organise fund-raising events for Conor to help his family pay his medical bills.

“Due to the pandemic, we couldn’t hold fund-raising events for him last year; however, we’re going to organise events this year. All the tests he needs to undergo are expensive,” she added.

She thanked those who made contributions towards Conor’s treatment in the past.

Anybody who would like to donate to Conor may contact Botha on 082 959 0753. Community members can also follow his Facebook page: Hope for Conor.

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