A new beginning for Kevin
At 12:30 pm today Kevin Mostert receives his new kidney and with it the possibility of precious time with his family, friends and pupils.
ALBERTON- Kevin Mostert will receive his new kidney at 12:30 today and with it the possibility of more time with his family, friends and pupils.
Kevin, a beloved maths teacher at Brackenhurst Primary School has only slept 15 minutes a night for the past week. “I am excited and happy but at the same time scared,” says an exhausted and tearful Kevin. “I am exceedingly grateful to all the teachers, the headmistress, the children, the parents and the community as a whole for everything they have done for me. Without them I would not have reached this point. And not to forget my donor!”
He received lovely gifts from the pupils and tells how his class arranged a surprise party for him. “After this operation I can dedicate myself even more to this profession that I love.”
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Two years ago Kevin was in ICU after his liver took over the function of his damaged kidneys. “My wife noticed the yellow tone in my skin colour first and I started dialysis around that time. The pain during dialysis has increased progressively to the point where the past couple of sessions have been very tough. My poor family has had to cope with this twice a week.”
About a year ago a woman Kevin knows, volunteered to donate her kidney and after numerous tests it was confirmed that she was a match. “She never wavered in her commitment even though it was a long road. I will forever be indebted to her.”
The road to recovery will take about six weeks for Kevin and about three weeks for his donor. “I have to take more than a handful of pills daily some of them for the rest of my life. But this is a new beginning. I look forward to exercising again and spending time with my family.” Kevin has also been approached to take part in the Transplant Olympics in the future, something he will definitely consider.
Kevin explains how wonderful it is that a person can save someone’s life by donating an organ. “If only people could realise what a huge difference they can make in someone else’s life. My donor isn’t even a family member and yet she was a perfect match. It is something we must all take more seriously.”
To find out more about how to become an organ donor visit www.odf.org.za
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