In Melbourne, Steve Liston was inspired decades ago by a radio story about the urgent need for kidney donors. Never forgetting this tale, Liston, now 57, felt compelled to contribute positively to someone’s life through organ donation. After contemplating the idea for years, he finally approached his family about donating one of his kidneys to a stranger when his children reached adulthood.
Initially, the timing was off as his children were still in school. Once they were grown, Liston consulted his GP, who informed him he needed to lose 13 kilograms to be eligible for donation. Committed to the cause, he successfully shed the weight, underwent rigorous medical and psychological evaluations, and eventually received approval to donate. A few years ago, Liston completed his kidney donation, describing a smooth recovery process, highlighting that it wasn’t as daunting as many perceive.
Supported by the federal government’s Supporting Living Organ Donors program, Liston could claim a maximum of 342 hours of paid leave and reimbursement for some medical expenses to aid his recovery. He expressed that the fulfilment he gained from helping others far surpassed any material pleasures, equating his altruistic act to something akin to Olympic achievements for those who excel in traditional realms.
Liston’s donation was part of a larger chain, benefiting over ten individuals and setting what he believed to be an Australian record. Despite the anonymity of the process—where donors typically do not meet their recipients—he found comfort in knowing his kidney could be helping anyone, fostering a sense of connection through this act of kindness.
While altruistic kidney donations remain relatively rare in Australia, the country has around 1,400 individuals waiting for transplants, with an average waiting time of 2.2 years. Approximately two-thirds of transplants come from deceased donors, while the remainder stem from altruistic and directed living donations. Dr. Stella McGinn noted that altruistic donations have surged following Australia’s collaboration with New Zealand, increasing to around ten donors per year.
In parallel with these stories, the burden of dialysis treatment is also rising, costing around $1.9 billion annually in Australia. With over 15,500 individuals undergoing dialysis, many facilities struggle to meet growing demands. Stories like that of Seth Holm, who has faced years of dialysis after a kidney transplant from his mother eventually failed, remind us of the profound impact organ donation has on lives. While he once enjoyed a degree of independence, his ongoing health battles highlight the urgent need for more donors. His mother, Michelle, remains hopeful for another living donor to assist her son, wishing to spare him the challenges of the waiting list for deceased donations.