19-year-old shares life’s journey after kidney transplant nine years ago

Life changed for the better for Jacques Boshoff of Waverley in the Moot, who was born with a chronic kidney disease when his mother donated a kidney for him.

At the young age of 10, Jacques received a kidney on November 6, in 2012.

Now, nine years later, the Boshoff family said there was so much to celebrate, especially after mum Linda’s selfless act of love.

Linda said she and the family never second-guessed the decision to donate the kidney to her then 10-year-old son, giving the youngster a new lease on life.

“It was something we had to prepare for and we knew that there was going to be a chance that one day he would need a kidney transplant,” said Linda.

Fortunately, he was not on the waiting list for the organ transplant as Linda tested immediately after they heard the news that Jacques would need a transplant, and luckily her kidney was a perfect match for him.

“It took about eight months from starting with tests until the transplant.”

Before Jacques’ transplant, life for him was completely normal.

“I had a normal childhood before the transplant as I always felt physically fit and never really tired. I was like any other child my age – I played rugby, cricket, tennis and any other sport that involved a ball.

“That’s what always kept me happy, playing sport was always my favourite thing to do,” he said.

He had to visit doctors quite frequently for check-ups, and it was only in his 10th year that the doctors said that it would be vital for him to get a kidney transplant.

“I was lucky to still have good health, but my blood tests showed something else. I just knew at the time that I will need a transplant and the sooner I could get it, the better for me,” Jacques said.

“At first I felt shocked and then somewhat afraid. Like any other 10-year-old would feel, I asked myself ‘will it hurt?’ But I’ve always trusted my parents’ judgement and they told me everything will be alright,” he said.

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The now 19-year-old said he was fortunate to have the right people at the right time in his life.

“I have always been taught how to live with my condition and adapt to what is in the best interest for my kidney. Life is much better and it is one of the best things that has ever happened to me.”

A year after Jacques’ transplant, he competed in his first ever World Transplant Games in Durban where he received a gold medal for tennis.

He also got a bronze medal in the 80m sprint event and silver for long-jump.

In 2019, he was crowned champion of the court at the games in Newcastle in England.

The next World Transplant Games will take place in Perth, Australia in 2023. People who have had a transplant are taking part in the games.

“I hope my story can be one of hope to others who need a kidney transplant. Always have hope that there is a second chance and keep good faith. Talk about your condition and always make other people aware about the importance of organ donation,” he said.

Linda said that life after donating the kidney was “rewarding”.

“Physically there is no difference in my abilities and my health is still very good. I try to keep up a healthy lifestyle as I know that I now need to look after my remaining kidney. I also know that I must never take anything for granted.

“Emotionally I am a stronger person and I know that whatever obstacles life could bring, there is always a positive side if you put your trust in the Lord,” Linda said.

She said that one should not even think twice about being a living donor as it is most rewarding to see the other person’s health can completely turn around and that he or she could have a second chance in life.

“For me it was a great honour to be a suitable candidate to be able to donate my kidney to my son.

“My recovery after the transplant was also fast and after four weeks, I was feeling like my old self.

“The biggest stigma or myth I have heard about organ donation is that people think they cannot have the same life after being a donor. That is most definitely not the case,” Linda said.

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