LAURIE Smith and Julie (Julz) Anthony were acquaintances before a life changing decision brought the duo closer together. So when Julie was placed on a transplant list for a new kidney, Laurie decided she would give the gift that would change the uMhlanga resident’s life. The kindred spirits turned out to also have kindred kidneys as well, as doctors said they were compatible with each other. Laurie, who is a journalist, met Julie while writing a feature magazine article about her wedding.

“When I was two I had a couple of kidney infections but four years ago I was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) when I went for a medical. I lived a very normal life and never ever had any kidney problems up until then. I was told I was in kidney failure and after numerous second opinions, all telling me the same thing, to start dialysis, I was determined to find an alternative solution as I couldn’t believe that was the only option. I embarked on a quest to find out as much as possible about the kidneys, as I wasn’t ill nor did I have any symptoms accompanied with kidney failure and so wanted to try everything possible before needing to be on dialysis.

‘I was determined to try reverse the damage’

“I was determined to try reverse the damage to my kidneys through diet and supplements under the care of a doctor in South Africa who had managed to repair his own kidneys when he had kidney disease by doing the same treatment as suggested for me. He supported the Australian dietary programme. Unfortunately my kidneys were too far gone. A month after getting back from honeymoon, I was permanently exhausted and my feet and legs began to swell. I was always aware of the symptoms for kidney failure but never ever experienced them, until this point,” the 34-year-old said.

It was then that doctors confirmed Julie’s worst fears, that she need to be put on dialysis and would eventually need a new kidney.

“I knew this time I had to go with the doctors recommendation of dialysis. It was time. Starting dialysis was such a shock but I remained positive. Several members of my family tried to see if they were compatible, but sadly none of them were. Then one night, I received a phone call from Laurie, she simply asked ‘do you still need a kidney?’ I was blown away, I couldn’t believe it, she told me she read my blog and I was just overwhelmed with emotion that someone who wasn’t family, wanted to do this for me. It’s just such a special bond and I think we’ve grown so much closer because of this incredible gesture,” she said.

‘She is the epitome of a beautiful spirit’

Laurie, who lives and works in Empangeni for the Zululand Observer, said the decision was very close to her heart.

“My family have always been pro-donor. We were all very aware of being on the transplant list and that we could save seven lives with our organs. It was until my brother, Dayne, passed away at 18 that I realised how true this was. He died of a hemorrhage and his corneas were able to give two blind people their sight back and his bone marrow helped 12 children who were battling leukemia.

“Julz and I have only become close through this process, we were only acquaintances before we started discussing donation. Her wedding led us to meet and for me to realize how ill she was through her blog. We have been through a lot together emotionally since then and our friendship is quite special and unique. Reading Julie’s blog really brought home the importance for me. She has always been so positive and has such a loving personality and she is the epitome of a beautiful vibrant spirit. I remember when I called, she couldn’t believe it and I said I have two healthy kidneys and I wanted to help. Everyone has been praising me for being brave and kind but the truth is, Julie deserves all the praise. I’m the organist and she’s the dancer,” Laurie said.

Become a donor

Both Julie and Laurie hope their story will inspire others to become transplant donors.

“I think more exposure in the media can change perceptions, especially negative ones. One person can save seven lives and we need a paradigm shift here in KZN and for people to register on the donor list. Your heart, liver and pancreas can save three lives and your kidneys and lungs can help up to 4 people. You can save seven lives,” Julie said.

To learn more visit www.odf.org.za. If you would like to read Julie’s blog, visit www.healthykidneys.wordpress.com.