When Nora McCarthy and Judy James attended the very first GV Kidney Support Group lunch in the year 2000, they had no idea what it would turn into, and 20 years later they’re still meeting on the first Tuesday of every month for a meal and a chat.
Up to 15 people would attend the lunches at the GV Hotel, each member having experienced some sort of kidney treatment, whether it be kidney dialysis, a kidney transplant or a kidney removal, bringing their partners and family along for a great time among friends.
The group would also have doctors and nurses from GV Health along from time to time, to field any medical questions the group might have or just to join in on casual conversation.
Nora McCarthy was on dialysis for over five years and had a transplant 16 years ago.
Mrs McCarthy said when she had the transplant she signed up to be an organ donor to help others not as lucky as herself.
She said the group shared, helped and understood each other.
Judy James was on dialysis for two years, and had a transplant over two decades ago.
“It’s not a meeting. It’s a support group. We all have a shared experience,” Mrs James said.
Gary Lawson said he had been coming to the group for over a decade, and had lost a kidney seven years ago.
“We’ve had a couple of people come here over the years who knew nothing about it, and then had kidney problems, and could then talk to someone here who does know about it,” Mr Lawson said.
Cynthia Lindner said she had also been attending for over a decade, having been on dialysis for over seven years and having had a transplant nine years ago.
“I like the social side of it. I live alone, so this is good for me. I love having a chat about what’s happening,” she said.
Pam Batey said she had been coming for a couple years after being on dialysis for five years, and also liked the social side of the group.
Judy Bryant said she had been coming for five years after being on dialysis for seven.
“If someone wants to talk, we listen, and support them the best we can, but if not we just have a lovely lunch together,” Mrs Bryant said.
GV Health nurse unit manager Amy Woods said it was a great chance for kidney patients to support each other, as the burden that treatment or transplants caused was significant.
“We can do the best we can to help from a professional perspective, but until you’ve lived that you can’t relate,” she said.
If anybody would like to join the support group they are encouraged to contact Judy James on 0429 691 281 or Gary Lawson on 0400 267 355.