Charlise Silva, aged 43 from Pretoria, is featured in today’s #WaitingWednesday post.

1. When were you diagnosed with organ failure and which organ are you waiting for?
I was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome in 2005, I’m on the waiting list for a kidney.

2. How does your current health affect your lifestyle?
I’ve been on dialysis treatment three times a week for four hours a session, for the last 10.5 years. I cannot eat what I would like and I cannot find a proper job.

3. How long have you been on the waiting list?
I’ve been on the kidney transplant waiting list for 8.5 years.

4. Have you had a transplant before? If yes, how long did it last?
I’ve had a failed transplant in 2010. The transplanted kidney lasted 3 days.

5. What are you most excited for after your transplant?
After a transplant I can eat and drink anything. Can’t wait.

6. Why do you think there is a shortage of donors in South Africa?
I think our government has to make it compulsory to donate. You can apply not to but that would not be the norm. That way there will never be a shortage.

7. What is the biggest stigma / myth you have heard about organ donation?
That the donor (living donation) will not live a proper life after donation.