We start the New Year with a story from Mally Marais, 47 from Breede Rivier (WC), she donated a kidney to her sister-in-law. Read Mally’s story.

1. Which organ/tissue did you donate, and in what year?
I donated my right kidney on 1 October 2019 to my sister-in-law, Nicola.

2. How long were your recipient on the waiting list for an organ?
She had heard she needed a transplant in April/ May 2018.

3. What made you decide to donate?
During a church service beginning of May 2018, the Holy Spirit guided me to offer a kidney to Nicola.

4. Describe the emotions experienced when you were told that you are a suitable donor?
From the beginning of the tests, everything showed we were a perfect match. This confirmed that what I was doing was God’s will.

5. What is life like now, after donating a kidney?
The first three months was hard, but after about 6 months all is back to normal again.

6. What advice would you give people considering being a living donor?
Pray about it and make sure it is God’s will. If it is, then He will support you 100%.

7. Why do you think there is a shortage of donors in South Africa?
People are scared and uncertain.

8. What is the biggest stigma / myth you have heard about organ donation?
People donating for financial benefits.

9. If you could describe donation in one word, what would it be?
Life