Give the gift of life: Organ donors are all lifesavers
The RECORD spoke to Kevin Mostert November 11, a month and two weeks after his kidney transplant.
ALBERTON- A Month and two weeks ago, Kevin Mostert received his new kidney and, with it, a new lease on life.
“It is my second chance in life and I am so grateful to have been given this opportunity. Without my lifesaver, the donor, I wouldn’t be here. I know God has carried me, the donor and all our friends and family through this.”
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The nephrologists report indicates that Kevin now has 66 percent kidney function. “In the past it always said kidney failure. I am so relieved. The specialists cannot believe how well I’m doing and how well the kidney is operating.”
Kevin’s monthly medication bill is R19 610.60. Ten Valcyte alone costs R11 931 a month. The medical aid is depleted but the chronic medicine is fortunately still available. “If I visit the doctor I have to pay quite a large amount of the costs. Brackenhurst Primary school has a Kevin Mostert fund into which parents and members of the public donated money to pay for fees not paid by the medical aid. I am very grateful for this!”
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After the operation, Kevin was in ICU for three days and by the time he was back in a normal ward, he was already walking around outside. He is not a man to sit still and the day he was discharged he was marking school assessments. “I asked the school for work and I marked my class’s exams and submitted the marks last week. I also helped my wife, who is a Grade One teacher, with work charts; anything to stay busy.”
Nephrologists, Doctor Hendrik Viljoen gave Kevin the green light last week in terms of his health so he is able to drive again and receive visitors. “If I am in a room with more than five people I still have to wear a mask so I am not visiting public places at the moment. The risk for infection is just too big.”
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Kevin cannot wait to go back to school next year and be involved in the community again. “I also look forward to seeing my two-year-old grandson, Mason Mostert again. He has been missing his granddad and I miss him!”
Kevin’s donor is also doing well and has returned to her duties as teacher on Tuesday, November 10.
At the end of the interview Kevin thanked the RECORD for its support throughout this whole process and for making people aware of organ donation. “This story isn’t just about me, I want people out there to realise they can change someone’s future by giving the gift of life. If there is anyone facing a transplant or recovering from one, please contact me on 082 677 0055.”
