Man gives cousin life-changing gift
Scott McKechnie gave his cousin, Philippa Livie (45), a life-changing gift that has freed her from a dialysis machine.
Livie received a kidney from her cousin on December 8, at the Transplant Clinic in Johannesburg.
The Northmead resident was diagnosed with kidney failure in 2014 and underwent dialysis three times a week.
Livie’s name was on the top 50 names in the universal donor list for two years, but a potential donor turned out to be much closer to home.
McKechnie, a Farrarmere resident, is a registered organ donor and said he has always wanted to donate.
“When the opportunity to donate my kidney to my cousin arose, I didn’t even hesitate,” said McKechnie.
The 46-year-old said it would be a great comfort to his family that some part of him is still living somewhere when he dies.
Seven lives can be saved from one organ donor.
“I went through tests for 14 months, for doctors to see if I was a compatible donor,” McKechnie said.
Livie, a mother of two, went on her first trip to Durban after the operation, something she is grateful for.
“I didn’t think it would happen, as I have been through a lot of disappointments in the past three years,” said Livie.
Livie, a Netcare Linmed Hospital nurse, said she is excited about going back to work and is grateful for the support she received from family and colleagues.
McKechnie encourages others to also register as organ donors.
According to the Organ Donor Foundation, the process to register as an organ donor is easy: you can register online or call the Organ Donor Foundation’s toll-free line on 0800 22 66 11.
They will then send you a small organ donor card to fill in and carry in your wallet or purse, or send you a sticker to put on your ID document and on your driver’s license.
However, it is important to discuss the decision with your family, let them know that you want to donate your organs or tissue after death and ask them to honour your wish when you die.
Anyone who is in good health and is clear of defined chronic diseases that might adversely affect the recipient will be considered as a possible donor, stated the website.
“Your heart, liver and pancreas can save three lives and your kidneys and lungs can help up to four people. In total you can save seven lives,” according to the Organ Donor Foundation.
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