Alex Gibson felt like any other healthy teenager before she received a life-changing diagnosis at the beginning of the year.
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Until late January, the 15-year-old was oblivious to the fact that she had end-stage kidney failure.
It was only a chance blood test she had while visiting the doctor for an unrelated issue that picked up the serious illness.
There was no history of the disease in the family.
“It was really scary and I didn’t know what was going on because I was so confused – I felt healthy,” Alex said.
Now her father Rob is nearing the end of testing that will determine whether he can donate one of his kidneys to his daughter.
If all goes according to plan, the pair will undergo surgery in about six weeks’ time.
But before that happens, Alex will participate in this Sunday’s Big Red Kidney Walk, a Kidney Health Australia event raising funds and awareness in support of those living with kidney disease.
Alex said that given her connection to Kidney Health Australia, she thought it was a good cause to support, as well as an opportunity to meet other people and hear their stories.
She wants to raise awareness of kidney disease, as well as the importance of registering as an organ and tissue donor.
“You can save a person’s life,” she said.
Alex was diagnosed with renal failure late on January 25 and the very next day underwent surgery to insert the catheter that would allow her to undertake the 60 hours of dialysis she needs each week to keep her body functioning.
Alex said there had been some changes in her life since her diagnosis, one being that she can’t see her friends as often as she once did.
She was a competitive swimmer, but she doesn’t swim as much as she used to because her catheter needs to be kept dry, although she still manages to get in the pool about once a week.
But it is hoped that the selfless gift from her father will mean her life will go back to being relatively normal.
“It’s really exciting, but I’m a little bit scared,” she said.
Her dad Rob said it had been a shock to learn of his daughter’s illness, but it was important to look for solutions, rather than focus on the problem itself.
He said he was “honoured, in a funny sort of way” at the prospect of giving his kidney.
“It’s not something you ever expect to do in a lifetime, but when the opportunity arises, you go for it,” Rob said.
For more information on the Big Red Kidney Walk, visit the website.