Meet Heilie Uys: A Kidney Transplant Warrior since 2004! At 71 years young, she’s thriving in the picturesque Cape St Francis, Eastern Cape Province. Join us as we celebrate her incredible journey of resilience during National Kidney Awareness Week from 4th to 8th September, and share her inspiring story of hope and renewal.

1. Which organ did you receive, and in what year?
I was blessed to have received a kidney transplant in 2004 and God willing will celebrate my kidney’s 20th year anniversary next year.

2. How long were you on the waiting list for your organ?
I was on the waiting list for 3 years, 3 months, and 3 days. These numbers link onto Jeremia 33:3 – “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know”. This links onto the miracle of transplantation.

3. What was life like before the transplant? How did you spend your days?
I continued to work as a lecturer in Nephrology Nursing (Dialysis and Transplantation) while on peritoneal dialysis and stayed active playing golf.

4. Describe the emotions experienced when you received “The Call” for your transplant?
I felt like a woman getting birth pains and did not know what to pack for my hospitalisation. I stay in Cape St Francis and had to be in Cape Town within 4 hours!!! Fortunately, a friend flew me in his small plane to Cape Town in time for the transplant.

5. What is life like now, after the transplant?
Everything changed after my transplant. I had more energy, my skin looked radiant, and I could continue my work and sports activities with more vigilance. I joined the South African Transplant Sports Association (SATSA) in 2004 and competed in 9 World Transplant Games (WTG). My husband, Willie, and I have been involved in Transplant Sports Administration since 2005.

6. What advice would you give patients on the waiting list?
By staying active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, keep you in optimal condition for a transplant.

7. Why do you think there is a shortage of donors in South Africa?
There are various reasons that link onto lack of awareness, cultural and religious aspects, and lack of transplantation resources.

8. If you could describe a transplant in one word, what would it be?
Life-changing!