Charné Grabie (39) had kidney failure from a young age, and doctors at the time predicted she would not live beyond 10 years old. However, she proved them wrong and did not need any treatment for her kidneys until 2023. Today, she is the mother of a 21-year-old daughter and a six-year-old son.

Her son JJ is another miracle. Doctors said neither she nor her husband, Steven Grabie, would be able to conceive a child.

“JJ is our miracle baby,” said Charné.

She has battled depression and anxiety since 2008, a very tough year for her. 2009 was another devastating year as she lost her grandfather, her mother, and her first husband within five months.

Although some days are better than others for Charné, Clive Ndhlandhla of Exclusive Renal Care has made her life much easier. Her kidney function was stable until 2023, when she contracted E. coli while the family was on holiday in Margate. Her condition worsened last year when her father died of cancer, and she had to undergo dialysis.

“I think my body went into shock,” said Charné.

She then underwent surgery for a fistula (a surgically created connection between an artery and a vein to facilitate dialysis), but it was unsuccessful, so a second procedure was required.

Charné began dialysis twice a week at a dialysis centre. Each session took four hours, and she often struggled to drive home afterward. She then heard about Ndhlandhla, who provides dialysis treatment at patients’ homes.

“It was a much better option for me because, although I must sit still for the four hours of receiving dialysis, I am with my family. I can still be part of their routine after their work and school day and spend quality time with them. It does not affect our finances, as the medical aid covers it.

“Many people do not know that an option like this is available. It was such a good change for us as a family,” said Charné.

For Charné, the advantage of working with Ndhlandhla is that he understands her health condition thoroughly. Ndhlandhla trained as a nurse and obtained a postgraduate diploma in nephrology. He has been working in the medical field for years.

Ndhlandhla said it is important for the whole family to be involved in the patient’s process, as they need emotional support. With him administering dialysis at patients’ homes, he meets the family and explains the process to them.

Charné is currently in the process of applying for a kidney transplant. She believes God has a plan for her life, and although kidney transplants are rare, she believes God will make it happen for her.