Joslyn Staal from Silvertown Athlone, in Western Cape, South Africa shares her story of donating a kidney to her cousin.

1. Which organ did you donate, and in what year?
Right kidney in 2016

2. How long was your recipient on the waiting list for an organ?
She waited just over a year. Tamsin (22 years old at the time) found out a year prior that her kidney function is deteriorating and the doctors said her condition was critical.

3. What made you decide to donate?
I did not decide but God did, He instructed me to donate my kidney to my cousin.

4. Describe the emotions experienced when you were told that you are a suitable donor?
I was overwhelmed, I really did not think that I would be a donor as cousins are not always suitable donors. When I went for the testing, I really thought it won’t happen. When I received the call, I was saying to God I am not ready and what about my family?

5. What is life like now, after donating an organ?
Life is normal, I can still do everything I did before I donated the kidney. I live a normal life

6. What advice would you give people considering being a living donor?
I realise if we are not educated about a subject we do not understand it. Firstly, I would you encourage people to educate themselves about the process and do not listen to the outside voices but instead do your own investigations. I think its such a privileged to be able to help someone to live a better-quality life. Just to think God gave us the opportunity to help.

7. Why do you think there is a shortage of donors in South Africa?
Fear and not knowing what to expect and not being educated. To be educated is to understand and based on our understanding we can make a clear decision.

8. What is the biggest stigma/myth you have heard about organ donation?
One can die and what if a family need a kidney

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

10. Summarise the benefits of organ donation in one word.
LIFE