A neighbour’s special gift
27 Aug, 2010 01:29 PM
SAM PHEILS has been the Dyers’ neighbour for only a year, but that was long enough for him to decide Graham Dyer needed one of his kidneys more than he did.In an extraordinary act of generosity, Sam of Hill Top,is preparing to donate a kidney to his neighbour of 12 months.
When Sam moved to the village he quickly got to know Graham Dyer and wife, Amanda.
Amanda said that once Sam saw Graham struggling to undertake everyday activities with young daughters Harmony and Taryn, he quickly offered assistance.
“He’s seen the situation where Graham can’t swim with his daughters and enjoy the life that he has, so he came and knocked on the door and offered the kidney,” she said. “This is the most kind-hearted thing anyone could offer.”
Graham first contracted kidney disease at age 16, after an infection.
In 2008, a routine blood test before an overseas holiday found he had only 5 per cent function in his kidneys.
He had a failed transplant last year (which amounted to four operations in 10 days) and a fearful wait.
“It’s been 12 months to get the courage up again,” he said. “Basically, if one fails, you do wonder if it’s going to happen again.”
Sam’s wife, Nicole, said she was proud of the gift her husband was offering.
“It’s such a good thing... such a great thing to do,” she said.
The couples have two children each who are about the same ages, so Nicole said Sam could easily sympathise with Graham.
Amanda estimated the out-of-pocket expenses for Sam, including time off work, at about $15,000, so they are fundraising to support the donation.
The campaign began on Election Day with a barbecue at Hill Top Public school polling, which raised $1600.
Amanda said it was good start, but she was asking local businesses and the community to help.
“It’s full-on I have two kids and work full-time,” she said.
“If we need to go to hospital we have to go to Liverpool.”
She said it cost about $60,000 each year to keep a patient on dialysis and she urged the government to allocate funding to support donors and save money.
To donate to Sam Pheils’ expenses for the kidney donation, contact Amanda Dyer on 0402 123 254.
Visit www.donatelife.gov.au for more information about organ donation.
When Sam moved to the village he quickly got to know Graham Dyer and wife, Amanda.
Amanda said that once Sam saw Graham struggling to undertake everyday activities with young daughters Harmony and Taryn, he quickly offered assistance.
“He’s seen the situation where Graham can’t swim with his daughters and enjoy the life that he has, so he came and knocked on the door and offered the kidney,” she said. “This is the most kind-hearted thing anyone could offer.”
Graham first contracted kidney disease at age 16, after an infection.
In 2008, a routine blood test before an overseas holiday found he had only 5 per cent function in his kidneys.
He had a failed transplant last year (which amounted to four operations in 10 days) and a fearful wait.
“It’s been 12 months to get the courage up again,” he said. “Basically, if one fails, you do wonder if it’s going to happen again.”
Sam’s wife, Nicole, said she was proud of the gift her husband was offering.
“It’s such a good thing... such a great thing to do,” she said.
The couples have two children each who are about the same ages, so Nicole said Sam could easily sympathise with Graham.
Amanda estimated the out-of-pocket expenses for Sam, including time off work, at about $15,000, so they are fundraising to support the donation.
The campaign began on Election Day with a barbecue at Hill Top Public school polling, which raised $1600.
Amanda said it was good start, but she was asking local businesses and the community to help.
“It’s full-on I have two kids and work full-time,” she said.
“If we need to go to hospital we have to go to Liverpool.”
She said it cost about $60,000 each year to keep a patient on dialysis and she urged the government to allocate funding to support donors and save money.
To donate to Sam Pheils’ expenses for the kidney donation, contact Amanda Dyer on 0402 123 254.
Visit www.donatelife.gov.au for more information about organ donation.
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