Mum’s son is her true-life hero
She has survived a life-threatening disease thanks to the altruism of her beloved son, who donated his kidney.
A selfless gift of life has been presented to Shakira Hoosen of Dundee – a mother, wife and friend to many. She has survived a life-threatening disease thanks to the altruism of her beloved son, who donated his kidney.
Shakira was diagnosed with kidney failure four years ago while in the Dundee Provincial Hospital, and since then has had to follow a strict diet to ensure her survival.Shakira recites the tale of how her son bravely volunteered to save her life by donating his kidney. Ali Hoosen, her son and real-life hero, is 28-years-old and was born and bred in Dundee. Ali matriculated at Dundee High School, going on to receive a BEng (Mechanical) Degree from the University of Johannesburg and presently works at Eskom in Gauteng.
Shakira says: “Ali took time off from his own busy life to undergo intensive tests to check for mutual symbiosis as a suitable donor. By the grace of the Almighty he was classed as a perfect match.”
On the day of the operation she fondly recalls Ali singing her a Hindi song as they were wheeled into their separate operation rooms prior to the operation, which left her very emotional. The operation took place on March 10 at the Albert Luthuli Hospital, and Shakira thanked the staff for their excellent care: “To the medical staff of Dundee, Grey’s and Albert Luthuli Hospitals: your professionalism makes me proud to be South African!”
Full recovery
The Hoosens are very satisfied with the medical care that the family members received, from the first day and all the way through until their full recovery.
“They received ‘ultra-care’ from day one”, Mr Iqbal Hoosen said enthusiastically, “my compliments to the hospital.” Mr Hoosen was supportive of his wife and son from the beginning to the end, offering stability, care and support in their times of need. For three months Shakira lay in isolation and communication with her beloved family had to be done via telephone. Iqbal commented “she was like a prisoner in a five star hotel”.
Only four months after her operation, Shakira was already healthy enough to complete the 5km Ghandi Walk in August. Due to the fact that she barely experienced any symptoms until the very last stages of her kidney failure, she and Iqbal made their pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia and also travelled to India. Miraculously Shakira was ‘up and running’ right until the day of her operation. She attributes this to her excellent health and strict diet.
This week Shakira set off to Stellenbosch for the SA National Transplant Games from October 9 to 11, where she will take part in a 3km walk, badminton and ten pin bowling.
Shakira added that while she endured such trying circumstances, it was of comfort to know that she and her son had the support of the rest of the transplant community, ‘who became like family to us’, she said.
The pair seems happy and excited at the prospect of enjoying life to the fullest, never wasting a single moment, and being grateful for their blessings.
