Port Shepstone family appeals for liver donor
The local attorney needs a liver transplant after a rare reaction to TB medication.
A PORT Shepstone man is in critical condition in a Johannesburg hospital and needs a liver donor urgently.
Colonel Shaun Govender (50) is a legal attorney for Port Shepstone SAPS and his family is appealing for donations in a bid to save his life. They are encouraging potential donors to contact the Organ Donation Foundation.
Mr Govender, whose liver failed in what doctors say is a ‘very rare’ reaction to tuberculosis medication, is currently receiving treatment in the Wits Donald Gordan Medical Centre in Johannesburg.
“A donor must be an accident victim or gun-shot victim, not someone who has died from illness. A healthy liver is needed. Donors need to be 1.7-metres to 1.8-metres tall as the size of the liver is determined by the height of the patient,” said Mr Govender’s wife, Pragashnie.
The donor can be of any blood type, any race and any gender.
“Although his case has already been prioritised and put on the top of the list in South Africa, we still appeal to those who are not registered donors. Most of us are not aware or educated enough on this touchy subject of organ donation until we are affected by it personally,” said Mrs Govender.
The family also appeals to those who have family currently on life support to please help to save another person’s life by donating their organs. For more information or if you know of a possible donor. contact Santie at Donald Gordon Medical Centre at 079 5096128 or the Organ Donation Foundation at 0800 226611.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
For news straight to your phone, add us on BBM 58F3D7A7 or WhatsApp 082 421 6033
