Meet Walt Esterhuysen, a 16-year-old from Potchefstroom, North West, with an incredible story to share! 

1. Which organ did you receive, and in what year?
A kidney transplant in 2021

2. How long were you on the waiting list for your organ?
Two years and three months

3. What was life like before the transplant? How did you spend your days?
Life was a boring routine with dialysis 3 times a week and watching everything I ate. I could not spend a lot of time with my friends.

4. Describe the emotions experienced when you received “The Call” for your transplant?
I was ecstatic when I heard it I almost did not register what I’d just heard. I was very relieved.

5. What is life like now, after the transplant?
Life is a whole lot better. I’m free from long dialysis sessions and can play with my friends and do more sports than I ever could. I am very happy.

6. What advice would you give patients on the waiting list?
Never give up hope. Take it day by day and try to focus on the positive.

7. Why do you think there is a shortage of donors in South Africa?
There is less awareness of kidney disease in South Africa, so fewer people will know that donating a kidney can change lives.

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