Time is running out for a Cape Flats dad who urgently needs a new kidney.
Mark Hamilton, 37, of Mitchells Plain, a married father of a seven-year-old daughter, says his life changed in 2016 when he suddenly lost nearly 30 kilograms.
“I didn’t feel sick, I was just losing weight,” he explains.
“The doctor said I was healthy but when further tests were done, they said I have renal failure stage 5.”
In 2018, Mark’s cousin donated a kidney but within hours of the transplant, his body rejected the organ.
Mark, who has blood type O, says he was devastated and the kidney was removed.
He then opted for home-based dialysis but this too failed leaving him with various infections.
He now undergoes dialysis three times a week at hospital but time is running out as the maximum time for dialysis is one year “and I have been on dialysis for three years now”.
EFFECT: Peeling skin
The desperate dad is begging for a donor to help him.
“My job as a bank investigator entails being on the road each day and this is affecting that.
“I just want to get my life back for the sake of my family.”
He says there is not enough awareness around organ donation.
“The body can function with just one kidney and you just need to look after your body and your health after that.”
According to Samantha Nicholls of Organ Donor SA, there are only about 1.8 donors per million population in the country.
“Less than 600 transplants are performed each year. A patient can wait on average between five and eight years if they do not have a suitable living donor or family member or friend to donate,” Nicholls explains.
“Many patients are also turned away in the state sector as there are simply not enough dialysis facilities for everyone.”