Kaitlyn, a former nurse, first learned of her kidney disease when she was diagnosed with deteriorating kidney function in her 20’s.
Kaitlyn began dialysis in 2008, aged 38 and continued home dialysis for nearly 15 years. During that time, she had her first kidney transplant, however it was short-lived.
During Kaitlyn’s kidney journey, she used the Big Red Kidney Bus many times in some of Victoria’s well-known holiday spots including Anglesea, Lakes Entrance and Yarra Wonga. It also gave her the opportunity to visit places she had not previously explored. Kaitlyn was grateful for the Big Red Kidney Bus service in allowing her to continue to do what she loves most, travelling with her family.
Kaitlyn and her mother are active in the kidney community, with Kaitlyn serving as a committee member for Transplant Australia and mother, Kathy, was the proud recipient of Kidney Health Australia’s Operation Angel award.
In December 2022, Kaitlyn received the long-awaited phone call from her nephrologist – a matched kidney was available for transplant, through the paired kidney exchange program. The transplant has given Kaitlyn a new lease on life, including lots of energy. Most of all, she can engage in life’s simple pleasures again, including her much loved road trips, and socialising with her friends, without the restraint of dialysis.
Kaitlyn has generously decided to leave a gift in her Will to Kidney Health Australia, as she recognises the impact that vital services like the Big Red Kidney Bus can have on people living with kidney disease. “I still feel I have so many reasons to be grateful, my gift in Will ensures that so many of Kidney Health Australia’s life-saving services are available for people like me.”
To find out more about how you can take the kind decision to leave a gift your Will to Kidney Health Australia, visit our webpage here.
Bequests