12-05-2025
‘I feel like I gave birth to him twice': Teen thrives after mom donates kidney
The kidney Rosemary donated to DK began to function immediately in her son's body, and within days he began to feel more energetic and was soon 'running around the hospital', eager to be discharged.
'I told him 'it feels like I gave birth to you twice, but I wouldn't have it any other way'. I appreciate my scar as it reminds me of the gift I gave and the love I have for my son.
'We are both back to our normal lives. My health is not negatively impacted by donating one kidney and I don't have to take medication,' Rosemary said.
Now aged 18, DR enjoys creative arts, including a love for music, singing and acting, and dreams of becoming a music producer.
'I want to thank my family for all their love and everything they've done to support me over the years, and specially to my mom for giving me the kidney that saved my life,' DK said.
'I would not be where I am today without the doctors and nurses who cared for me at NRC Montana, Netcare Montana and Netcare Jakaranda hospitals, and we thank God for them. I would specially like to wish a happy International Nurses Day to all the health-care professionals who are a lifeline every day for people living with kidney failure, as I was before my transplant.'
His mother said: 'For us as a family, it's important to share our experience to show good outcomes are possible for people with kidney failure. Our journey highlights that organ transplants save lives, and what it means to our family to have our prayers for DK answered.'
