Three weeks ago renal patient Mantoine D’Ambrogio received a phone call from the hospital informing him that a kidney was available and, two days later it was transplanted into his body.

The kidney belonged to 11-year-old Miguel Campolo, who died suddenly on July 12 after contracting bacterial meningitis.

Since the transplant on July 14, Mr D’Ambrogio’s body started functioning normally.

For the first time in four years, he could pass water alone without having to spend nine hours a day hooked up to a machine.

“It’s a miracle… a miracle of science,” the 49-year-old Enemalta auditor said adding that he now hoped to personally thank Miguel’s parents for their generosity during such a difficult time.

Their deed changed his life and that of another two patients who received Miguel’s other kidney and his lungs. Mr D’Ambrogio is urging more people to donate their organs – there are 80 patients waiting for a kidney.

“Maltese people are known for their generosity in life and being generous after that is so much less painful,” he smiles.

Mr D’Ambrogio was diagnosed with polycystic kidneys 17 years ago and started preparing for their gradual shutdown.

Maltese are known for their generosity

When they eventually stopped working, he needed to have nine hours of dialysis during his sleep.

But he tried to ensure his condition did not interfere too much with his life so he continued working and completed a Masters degree in Business Administration.

“Unfortunately I see patients, even young people, who tend to vegetate when they are diagnosed. It’s not a nice thing to have kidney problems but it’s not the end of the world either,” he says.

Four years ago he had his right kidney removed in preparation for a transplant and had been waiting for a donor.

The process involved psychological preparation for the eventuality of receiving the organ of a person who died.

He had to accept the idea that it was the only way for him to live a better life.

Although the transplant was successful, Mr D’Ambrogio will need lifelong medication to ensure his body does not reject it.

“It’s like a Snakes and Ladders game… you go up the ladder but you might get bitten and fall again,” he says.

But the outlook is good and while he has to be careful not to expose himself to illnesses, as he has a lowered immune system, he is looking forward to travelling again.

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