Father, son recover after kidney surgery

Otago Daily Times, New Zealand | Marjorie Cook

Richie Johnston (29), of Wanaka, is a live kidney donor. He gave one of his organs to his father, Rob Johnston, on November 7.

Now, he is preparing to resume his snowboard instructing career. He talks about his experience with reporter Marjorie Cook.

Every year, about 130 New Zealanders receive a new kidney, with about 50% of the organs provided by live donors - usually sons, daughters, parents, siblings or friends.

Every sympathy is justifiably with the patients who have, in many cases, endured years of kidney disease and uncomfortable, lifestyle cramping dialysis.

But, putting the risk of organ rejection aside, the procedure is usually more of a threat for the live donor, a healthy person who has deliberately made themselves sick so another may heal.
Read more: http://www.odt.co.nz/your-town/wanaka/189230/father-son-recover-after-kidney-surgery