A mother’s love knows no bounds, and Annamarie van Rooyen (63) is proof of that. Little over a month ago, Annamarie donated one of her kidneys to her son, Rianco (40). Talking to Annamarie, you are struck by the fact that she is well-groomed with a vibrant, sparkling personality and inner strength that shines through. This inner strength came to the fore on a Saturday morning in September last year when she received a fateful call from Rianco. The alarm bells went off before he said a word, because he always calls his mother on a Sunday. The news was devastating! Rianco told his mom that his kidneys were only working at about 7% capacity. Without a moment’s hesitation or doubt, Annamarie immediately knew she was going to donate one of her kidneys to her son.

Rianco was an active teenager who matriculated from Weston Agricultural College. He enjoyed long-distance running, and seemed to be fit and healthy. After matriculating, Rianco went to Stellenbosch University, where he studied and completed his MSc Oenology (Cum Laude) at the Department of Viticulture and Oenology. Rianco is now an avid white winemaker and cellar manager at Robertson’s Winery in Robertson, Western Cape. However, things took a turn for the worse last year when Rianco started having severe headaches, which he initially attributed to poor eyesight or high blood pressure. That was not the reason though. After the doctors did blood tests, they discovered that his kidneys were failing due to an unknown autoimmune disease. At first, the doctors administered peritoneal dialysis, which allowed him to manage his dialysis himself. Sadly, after a few months, the dialysis didn’t work anymore and his kidneys deteriorated even more (to a capacity of only 3%), which made Rianco eligible for a kidney transplant.

In February this year, Annamarie started the process to donate her kidney to Rianco. She went for several tests to determine whether she would be a match for her son. It turned out that she was a 50% match, which is perfectly acceptable to donate a kidney. The final tests were concluded in July and the operation was scheduled for October. When mother and son were admitted, they were isolated in one room to prevent any possible germs or infections that may deter the transplant. Annamarie says that the day before the transplant, they still had to undergo tests and the final ‘go-ahead’ was only given at four o’clock that day after all the test results were clear and confirmed by the nephrologist. The following day, Annamarie donated her kidney to her son. “I wasn’t scared at all, because I did a lot of research beforehand and I trusted in God. I did this for my son, otherwise he would’ve died,” she smiled.

Annamarie showed no after-effects of the transplant and continued her activities as normal. Rianco is flourishing with his new kidney. “I am extremely grateful to my mother and for this second chance at a normal life. The fact that my mother was willing to make this sacrifice makes it so much more special,” said a grateful Rianco. Annamarie now encourages people to register as an organ donor.

Visit www.odf.org.za or call the toll-free 0800 22 66 11 number to make contact and register with the Organ Donor Foundation.

In the spirit of the festive season that is approaching, the story of Annamarie and Rianco brings hope, and shows the selfless love a mother has for her children.

ALSO READ: Help Gustav get his prosthetic leg

The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.