Superheroes are often depicted in movies and comic books as individuals of extraordinary powers, their capabilities to save the world is unrivalled.
However, there are superheroes who don’t go by fancy titles, or fly around, with bulging muscles. There are those amazing heroes among us, who are seldom even known by others. These men and women are no Batman, Superman, or Incredible Hulk. Yet, their legacy and heroic acts live on through the lives of others.
August is Organ Donor Month. A period of time where awareness is created on the importance of donating your organs.
But, why should you donate your organs? Why should your body be cut after you die? Because, through selflessly giving up your organs, people like Arthur Reineke can lead full lives.
When Arthur was 28 years old, he was diagnosed with glomerulonephritis. With kidney failure imminent, Arthur needed a transplant. “I had my kidney transplant in 1983. Making me one of the oldest transplant patients.”
Arthur explains building up to the transplant, he was extremely sickly. “I went to the then Johannesburg General Hospital, where I had to undergo tests. It was then that the kidney failure was found.”
He immediately went onto dialysis, while his family went for tests to see who could donate a kidney to him. “The thing about being on dialysis, is that you can’t live on it too long. It makes the chances of a successful transplant slimmer.”
Waiting in anticipation, hoping that a kidney be found and it eventually came. “In August 1983, I received a phone call from the hospital. A young man had passed away and I needed to come in for tests to see if we were a match.”
The transplant was done and now 35 years later, Arthur is able to enjoy his health and life to the fullest. “I go for a check-up every three months to see how the kidney is still functioning. I must also take anti-rejection meds for the rest of my life. But, it is worth it.”
While saddened by the loss of the youngster whose kidney he has, Arthur emphasises the importance of donating one’s organs. “If you see how many people are waiting for organs, you will realise how important it is. If you are not registered to be an organ donor, if you die, the doctors need to ask the family for permission. This is usually very traumatic for the family.”
Furthermore, by registering as an organ donor, you can ensure someone in need leads a healthy life that they would have otherwise be denied.
“The transplant has changed my life, if you had seen how sick I used to be, I am more jovial now and lead a normal life.”
Two years after the transplant, Arthur even took part in the Organ Transplant Games. “I used to play sports before the transplant, at the games, I won five gold medals.”
Mediclinic Newcastle is hosting an event at Coffee Couture on August 31. On the day, people are encouraged to sign up to become organ donors, while learning more about what it takes to be an organ donor.
A free coffee will be given to every person who signs up as an organ donor.
For more information on the event, contact Ronel van Dyk on 034 317 0130 or Jenny Ihlenfeldt on 034 317 0037.
Be sure to read the full story on the upcoming event in the next edition of the Newcastillian.
Newcastillian encourages everyone to go and register. Be someone’s hero!
