Two women, who have never met, swapping their kidneys to save their desperately ill husbands: it may sound like the plot of a TV drama, but it became a life-changing reality for grateful Kiwi couple Matthew and Julie Clements.
Matthew (50) had been unwell for years from a kidney disease which was rapidly destroying his health and required five hours of dialysis, three times a week. His only hope for his future was to have a kidney transplant as soon as possible.
But Matthew, originally from Christchurch and now living in Perth, Australia, was told it could be four years before a kidney was made available. During that time, he would face more gruelling dialysis plus the ever-present risk of a deadly complication.
That was until a mystery woman walked off the street and into an organ donation clinic and offered up one of her own kidneys for transplant. This incredible gift was to start a chain of events that not only gave Matthew a new kidney much sooner than expected, but also helped another man who was in dire need of a kidney. It’s known as a ‘domino transplant scheme’ and is expected to be introduced in New Zealand later this year, offering hope to those in need of replacement organs.
When Matthew was told he needed a transplant, Julie had hoped to give him one of hers. Unfortunately, she was not a match. This was followed by years of waiting and hoping. “At first, I was so relieved when Julie said she would donate because I knew she was sincere about it,” he says. “I had other people offer me a kidney but soon found out there is a big difference between an offer and an actual donation. They would say they would give one but never actually go to the first stage of being tested.”
Although their oldest daughter Emily (24) was a match, they both decided against taking one of her kidneys. “She hasn’t had any kids and Matt really didn’t want to take her kidney,” says Julie. “And you never know, she might need a kidney herself in the future,” adds Matthew.
The domino donor scheme, which started in their home area in 2007, was the answer to their prayers. First, they went into a pool of people needing kidney transplants who had a family member or friend willing to give a kidney but weren’t a match. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, the complete stranger made her generous decision to donate her kidney.
“That kind woman’s kidney was compatible with one man, and his wife was compatible to Matt, and because I was left over, I gave to somebody else who was waiting for a kidney,” explains Julie. “I thought it was even better than my kidney matching Matt. I only had to have one operation but it helped Matt and another person. I also liked how I was giving to someone that I didn’t even know.”
Since his operation four months ago, Matthew has a new lease on life. “I’m no longer receiving dialysis, so I don’t have the swelling and tiredness anymore. I’m gradually getting better. I’m feeling more energetic and it’s a relief to a have a normal life again.”
The couple see kidney swaps as the key to finding enough organs for everyone who needs one. “If just one person offers a kidney and it matches a patient in the scheme, then it can spark off a chain of donations,” says Matthew. “That can change not just one, but many lives for the better.”
In New Zealand, the wait for a kidney is between three and five years. They can only be sourced from organ donors who have died, or from a friend or relative who is a match. Kidney specialist Ian Dittmer, of Auckland City Hospital, says it’s hoped the paired kidney exchange can be introduced here by the end of the year.
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