For three years, Hugh Kannenberg (46) from Pretoria lived on a week that was three days shorter than everyone else’s, fitting the roles of husband, father and provider around dialysis. This past weekend he celebrated one year with a new kidney, a gift from a school friend he describes as “a friend to all, a brother to many”.

1. Which organ did you receive, and in what year?
I received a kidney transplant in 2025.

2. How long were you on the waiting list for your organ?
3 years.

3. What was life like before the transplant? How did you spend your days?
It was incredibly challenging with times. I still had provide for my family and continue looking after my health and mental wellbeing. I still had the responsibility of being a husband, father, brother, son and friend while having 3 less days in a week due to the dialysis.

4. Describe the emotions experienced when you were told your donor is a match?
I was relieved and immensely grateful. The mere thought of returning to a sense of normality felt surreal.

5. What is life like now, after the transplant?
I am living a full life. My outlook on life has changed. It gave me new perspective, realizing what really matters in life. I try not to take live as serious as before.

6. What advice would you give patients on the waiting list?
It’s incredibly hard to stay positive all the time. Find a reason to keep fighting — for me, that was my wife and daughter. Try to inspire others by showing them that, despite difficult circumstances, you refuse to give up.

7. Why do you think there is a shortage of donors?
In my opinion people fail to understand that you can still live a relatively normal life after donating a kidney. Also, people do not notify their family members about their wishes to donate their organs if they pass away.

8. If you could describe transplant in one word, what would it be?
Humbled.

9. If you could say one sentence to your donor or their family, what would it be?
Aunty Joe and Uncle Errol, Thank you for raising such a selfless and humble son who always places the needs of others before his own. He is friend to all, a brother to many and a remarkable human being.