March 14 is World Kidney Day, and the GV Kidney Support Group is celebrating and reflecting on their individual experiences.
As Victoria’s only kidney support group, the members welcome anyone who has dealt with the trials and tribulations of dealing with kidney health issues and anyone who would like to learn more about the struggles.
Although their shared experiences of kidney transplants, removals and dialysis brought them together, the group members consider each other friends rather than just people who meet once a month.
Member Gary Lawson lost a kidney about eight years ago and said the get-togethers were something he looked forward to.
“It’s only a small social group. We don’t have to do it, but it’s a reason we’ve got to go out and something to look forward to,” he said.
The group meets casually on the first Tuesday of every month at the GV Hotel for lunch and a catch-up.
The group has been meeting for nearly 24 years, with original members Judy James and Nora McCarthy still at the forefront of organising the gatherings.
On this particular occasion, the group members are reflecting on their kidney war stories and how lucky they are.
Founding member Nora said the day was something the group looked forward to.
“It’s a very special day for our group,” Nora said.
Judy quickly chimed in.
“Every day is special,” she said.
“A lot of people think that once you’ve had a kidney transplant, that it’s over, but it’s not. A lot of things come up.”
Nora said she would love to know whose kidney she received when she got her transplant 18 years ago.
“They won’t tell you who donated your kidney,” she said.
“I want to know who gave me my kidney because I’d love to say thank you to the family.”
Most group members are registered organ donors, as most have received a donated kidney.
Member Pam Batey has a horseshoe kidney, meaning her two kidneys are joined together. Unable to get a transplant, she has been on dialysis for nearly six years.
“It makes you very tired because you’ve got to go in and do it three times a week,” she said.
“I like doing it in the morning, and then I can have a little nap and then we can do whatever we want for the rest of the day.”
Her husband, George Batey, said Pam had been through the wringer and referred to dialysis treatment as “hooking up to jumper leads”.
Judy said the group wasn’t reserved only for people with kidney problems, and anyone interested could join.
“We just have lunch and chat about anything, really,” Judy said.
“Anyone can come; if you have an interest in anything to do with kidneys, you can come.
“If anyone asks us about kidneys or anything like that, we’ll try to answer them.”
For more information about joining the group, contact Judy James on 0429 691 281 or Gary Lawson on 0400 267 355.