“She’s my daughter” — with those words, Laetitia Janse van Vuuren (57) from Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, donated her left kidney, changing both their lives forever.

1. Which organ did you donate, and in what year?
I donated my left kidney in 2019.

2. How long was your recipient on the waiting list for an organ?
She (my daughter) wasn’t on the waiting list. We were fortunate to start with the process as soon as she was diagnosed with kidney failure.

That’s easy – she’s my daughter.

4. Describe the emotions experienced when you were told that you are a suitable donor?
So grateful and relieved, although I didn’t have any doubts. 

5. What is life like now, after donating an organ?
Exactly as it was before. I am healthy, can exercise like before and have no physical pain or problems after the transplant.

6. What advice would you give people considering being a living donor?
Do it!! You have the opportunity to save someone’s life without anything taking away from you. Your life as a donor doesn’t change, but you can change someone else’s life.

7. Why do you think there is a shortage of donors in South Africa?
People are scared and there’s a lack of knowledge concerning organ donation.