James Muscat and Jeffrey Bonnici both have one kidney – although for different reasons.

Mr Muscat donated his second one to a friend 15 years ago while two-time recipient Mr Bonnici received one after eight years hooked to a dialysis machine.

Both feel as healthy as ever, with donor Mr Muscat saying that he was “living proof that a person can live with one kidney while saving someone else’s life.”

Speaking to Times of Malta as the ‘Life after Drew’ campaign about organ donation picks up steam, Mr Bonnici recalled being diagnosed with kidney failure in 2003 at the age of 25.

“Just like a silent killer, both kidneys failed all of a sudden. My mum immediately offered one of her kidneys, but the process, which includes tests and ensuring there are no vested interests in the donation, is very rigorous.”

Mr Bonnici spent a year on dialysis until he was given the go-ahead for the transplantation and received his first kidney from his mother Frances Gatt.

He believes that his young age allowed him to adapt to the sudden change of his daily routine during the dialysis treatment. The most challenging part for those who need to undergo such treatment was accepting their fate, he added.

Mr Bonnici, who works at Customs, noted that his superiors were very understanding, and he could continue working while receiving treatment.

But while Mr Bonnici coped with the situation well, some are not always able to continue with their work because of the nature of their job, while others develop physical or psychological issues, Mr Muscat noted. The renal unit itself provides psychological support to those who need it.

We were given only one life and we need to take care of it

Sadly, the kidney that Mr Bonnici received from his mother failed after 18 months.

Getting back on the dialysis machine was the most difficult thing he had to do. It felt as if all of a sudden he had to start from scratch.

The following eight years were the toughest for Mr Bonnici, as he waited for a matching kidney.

The good news came in 2014 and in March he received a kidney from a cadaveric donor. His life changed overnight – from the little things such as not limiting his water intake to the larger ones including going abroad for more than three days.

Mr Bonnici’s ordeal convinced those around him, including his friends, to sign up as donors.

Mr Muscat also recalls the day he donated a kidney in February of 2004.

Back then, several had asked Mr Muscat whether he feared that in the future he might himself need the kidney that he had donated.

“It was a dream of mine to help the recipient, a father-of-three, and that dream came true through the donation of my kidney. Just like other live donors, I was never scared, but rather looking forward to the intervention.

He is still unafraid nowadays, with the only thing that has changed since then being that now he has to be more careful about leading a healthy lifestyle.

“If something crops up in the future, there might be a kind-hearted and altruistic person who donates his kidney,” he added.

For Mr Muscat, organ donation remains the best gift one could give – it not only makes a person’s life better but it could actually save their life.

“We were given two kidneys – the second one is a spare, however, we were all given only one life and we need to take care of it.

“After 15 years, I’m living proof of how someone can live with one kidney. Tests have proven that the remaining kidney functions better than it did when I had two... and I feel better than ever before.”

On average, more than 20 kidney transplants are carried out a year, some of which are made possible because of live donors, and while around 300 people are receiving kidney treatment, a third of them are on a waiting list for the transplant, he said.

Those who would like to become live donors like Mr Muscat can get in touch with the Renal Unit at Mater Dei Hospital for more information.

Be A Hero, Become A Donor

In dealing with the tragic loss of their 20-year-old son, Drew Abela, his parents Sharon and Kenneth have funnelled their energy into the ‘Life after Drew’ campaign.

In collaboration with the Transplant Support Group Malta, the campaign is raising awareness about the need of organ donation, encouraging others to register as donors and calling for a support structure that guides surviving relatives through the process.

One can become a donor in minutes by either registering online using one’s e-ID details, sending the application form by e-mail, or by post.

Look up the Facebook page called Transplant Support Group – Malta or log onto www.transplantsupport.org.mt for more information on how to become a donor.

World Kidney Day will this year be celebrated in Malta on March 17.

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