Page 22 - Changing Perceptions

Vanessa’s story

In 2017 I chose to donate one of my kidneys and give life to my son again!
Jamal had been diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome in 2013 when he was
just 17yrs old. The condition is a collective of issues surrounding the col-
lapse of the kidney filtration system and this entails the functioning of the
kidneys to deteriorate.

Jamal went from being an energetic young man to a very tired and heav-
ily medicated one.

Although I have to mention he was inspirational, as he never complained
about all his discomforts and bouts of attacks that he was constantly suf-
fering from. His love of music upheld his morale and he later went on to
study at University and produce some wonderful music and give others
pleasure by being a DJ at numerous events.

Jamal inspired me to become a donor as he continued enjoying his young
life even though he was faced with this debilitating condition. The trans-
plant at the Royal Free hospital has given him another shot at life and it’s
opened up more opportunities for him.

It is an amazing selfless act as a living donor, to put oneself through nu-
merous tests and then to undergo an operation when you are in good
health. However it is most rewarding to know you have turned a person’s
life around.
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