A Tale of an Organ Donor…

By Noncedo Ndlwana

Love knows no boundaries; it asks no questions!

It’s amazing how our Xhosa names contain meanings that guide us naturally, without conscious planning. When my late parents named me Noncedo, I assume they intended me to be a helper, prioritizing others.

As I grew into adulthood, I noticed a deeply caring side of me. I willingly gave my favorite clothing and my last cents to clothe the needy and provide food.

Helping always made me feel whole and satisfied. I sometimes wish I had more resources to extend my help far and wide. When my psychiatrist advised me to be more selfish and put myself first after my major depression diagnosis in 2018, I knew it would be challenging for me to adapt. I was destined to help and save people; I cared for others just as I cared for myself.

When my cousin brother fell ill in June this year, I knew what to do. I texted him, and we discussed his health. On the 30th of June, his birthday, I offered him a priceless gift – my kidney. I asked him to let me donate a kidney to him, and he gladly accepted. When I made the offer, I was unaware of the risks and side effects of kidney donation, but I was looking forward to it.

One thing about me is that I’m a risk-taker, and when I make a decision, I commit to it. This also applies to my support; if I pledge support to someone, I stand by them until the end.

Fast forward, my cousin informed his doctors in Cape Town about my intentions, who quickly contacted me. They arranged preliminary blood tests to determine if we were a match, which went well. A series of follow-up tests followed, and the rest is history. On the 10th of October, we were scheduled for surgery at UCT Netcare Private Hospital.

The following morning, as I prepared for nephrectomy, the doctors delivered bad news. They canceled the surgery because they found that my cousin brother had pancreatitis, and continuing with the transplant would be deadly.

Being asked by the doctors to accompany them to the male ward to deliver the news was a nightmare. You can imagine the disappointment and hopelessness on his side. He felt numb, and so did I.

To make a long story short, in just two weeks, his health improved significantly. On the 26th of October, around 8 AM, I went to the theatre for nephrectomy. Although I knew I would endure pain after the surgery, I was eager to save my cousin’s life.

Hours later, it was his turn to meet the surgeons and finally receive his precious gift. I wasn’t worried about any complications, as I believed God would be with us throughout the process. His body accepted my kidney, making me the happiest woman alive.

I’m currently experiencing post-surgery pain, but I’m not panicking. The pain is worth it. I did this in the name of love, because love knows no boundaries and asks no questions. I did this out of faith, as faith provides hope and trusts in divine intervention. May we all love our families and share compassionate, unconditional love among ourselves.

Noncedo Ndlwana finished her journalism degree at IIE Varsity College in 2008. Right now, she is studying for a B.A Honours in Journalism and Media Studies at the University of the Witwatersrand. She is a member of the Public Relations Institute of Southern Africa and is known as a Public Relations Practitioner (PRP). She has experience working in community media, including radio and newspapers. Currently, she works as a communicator for Intsika Yethu Municipality. In her free time, she enjoys writing, taking part in discussions, exploring nature, and is a devoted Christian.