Living life to the fullest after transplant
Natalie Brown never takes for granted her second chance at life.
Thirty-one years ago she received a life-changing kidney transplant when her brother, Alan Penny, stepped up as her donor.
That is far higher than the average life expectancy for recipients — "I like to advertise that fact, so that it gives people a lot of hope" — and had made her passionate to advocate for others.
"I feel fortunate to be honest, because I think people that don't go through that process don't appreciate good health and don't appreciate every day what they can do," she said.
"Every day's been a bonus and I've done the most amazing things. Life's been fabulous."
That includes returning to the World Transplant Games in Dresden, Germany, next week, where she will pick up the golf clubs.
The Games, which are held every two years, are for transplant recipients, donors and donor families to compete across a range of sports.
Since her transplant, Ms Brown — who is the only golfer in the 11-strong New Zealand team — always wanted to compete at the Games and was lucky enough to play alongside her brother at the Games in Perth, where he lives, in 2023.
After winning gold in the singles and bronze in the pairs two years ago, she will compete in the singles in Dresden and is looking forward to being surrounded be like-minded people on the course again.
Knowing how a transplant can transform someone's life has made Ms Brown a passionate advocate.
She is involved with the Otago Kidney Society, the Australasian Kidney Trials Network, the Australian and New Zealand data registry and the George Institute for Global Health.
"It is a second chance at life. When I got diagnosed, and had to go on dialysis, I went '50 years ago, I'd be dead'.
"At the moment there's huge statistics ... if early detection comes along then you can stop kidney disease.
"There's a big push ... to get people that have got like high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes, to go and get checked."
She considered herself lucky to have a "fantastic" renal team in Dunedin, including Prof Rob Walker.
kayla.hodge@odt.co.nz
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