Sammy wants to educate people about the Organ Donation Foundation

Organ Donation Day is observed yearly on August 13 and this day aims to motivate others to pledge to donate organs after death and to spread awareness about the importance of organ donation.

“I want more people to get involved and I also want to educate people along the way,” said Sammy.

A story to share

Sammy was diagnosed with glomerulonephritis (GN) when she was 33 years old, and it has affected both her kidneys. According to Healthline.com, GN is inflammation of the glomeruli, which are structures in your kidneys that are made up of tiny blood vessels. These knots of vessels help filter your blood and remove excess fluids. If your glomeruli are damaged, your kidneys will stop working properly and you can go into kidney failure.It all started with Sammy experiencing high blood pressure. “When I got to the doctor he informed me I have high blood pressure. After more medical tests I was diagnosed with GN.” According to Sammy, she lived a normal life until one day when she did not feel quite so healthy. “I went to the hospital and was told my one kidney completely failed and my other kidney was functioning at 15 per cent. I had to go for dialysis twice a week for four hours. “The first dialysis had a major impact on my health, mentally and physically. It was a complete lifestyle-changing experience for me. Dietary and fluid restrictions had to be made.

“Nausea, weight loss, insomnia, fatigue, hair loss, cramps, weakness of my joints/muscles and low iron levels were some of the symptoms I experienced. I was in and out of the hospital for blood transfusion. “But worse was seeing my husband and daughter enduring the emotional turmoil and the impact it had on us as a family. In their stride they both took over all tasks and never left my side. The immense love and support from my husband and daughter have given me the will to live and never give up,” Sammy said.

She added that being hooked on a dialysis machine for four hours can be daunting. “After having my treatments I go back to work. The deforming scars on my arms create a stare and questions are constantly asked. I have resorted to wearing long sleeves to cover up my scars, hoping this nightmare ends soon.” Planning a vacation is another challenge for her as she has to find a dialysis centre in the area where they are going on vacation.

“Everything revolves around my dialysis sessions. Dialysis can be tough sometimes. It’s not all that bad, but sometimes it’s not great. I am grateful though to dialysis for giving me a second chance at life. “My positive attitude changed how I saw my whole situation,” she said.

Waiting for that one call

“After all the medical tests, I finally got onto the transplant list. I have been on it for about two years. In South Africa, the waiting period for a transplant is normally between five to 10 years. After five years of waiting you make it to the top 50 patients who need an organ donation,” said Sammy. In the beginning, it was very difficult for Sammy as she constantly waited for ‘that’ call where someone tells her they have found a donor for her.

“It becomes stressful and it affects the way you live.”

She said she does not want others to think of her as a sick person, but rather as a positive influencer who brought a change in others’ lives. She is most excited about the improved quality of life she’ll have after the transplant.

“No more dialysis. Having loads more energy and, for once in my life, I won’t be tired. No restriction on fluid intake. Most of all the freedom to just be me. Wow, just the thought to be able to urinate again,” she said.

According to her, various factors have an impact on the shortage of organ donations. “The fear of the unknown. Superstition. Being bound by religious beliefs. Why should I donate if I don’t benefit or get paid for my organs? Lack of public awareness and education on the importance of organ donation in communities. These are some of the factors.” She said many people are unaware or have never heard about organ donation and she feels there should be more focus on advertising on billboards, radio stations, newspapers, talk shows and television.

“The focus on awareness should also not be done once a year. Often people would want to receive an organ but are unwilling to donate or register as an organ donor.”

How to become a potential organ/tissue donor

Any person in good health and clear of defined chronic diseases that may adversely affect the recipient will be considered as a possible donor. Sammy said the process to become a donor is straightforward, but it is very important to discuss the decision with your family. “Let them know you want to donate your organs/tissue after death and ask them to honour your wish when you die.” Organ donation is made possible by heroes – people who voluntarily decide to donate organs and tissue for transplant. Register online at www.odf.org.za or call the Organ Donor Foundation toll-free line on 0800 22 66 11. Sammy concluded with: “Be the answer to someone’s prayers, register as an organ donor now.”