A group of kidney transplant recipients are currently completing an eight-week fitness program in Bundaberg to help improve their health and wellness post-transplant.
The program is being delivered under the guidance of Coral Coast Physiotherapy and with the support of the Bundaberg Renal Support Group and the Bundaberg Hospital transplant coordinator.
Bundaberg Hospital Organ Donation Specialist Nurse Karen Jenner said the group was five weeks into the program and were already feeling the benefits.
“People are extremely grateful for the amazing gift of a kidney and the opportunity to live a new life free from dialysis,” Ms Jenner said.
“However post-transplant, there is a recovery period for patients that can sometimes be a bumpy ride.
“Having a designated time and place for the group to meet and exercise with others who have travelled the same road, but may be further along in their journey, not only helps them physically, it also helps them mentally.
“The group also feels a sense of gratitude and duty, taking on the mantra that they’d like to keep themselves in great shape after receiving their amazing gift, to honour their donor and donor family.”
Ms Jenner said by deciding to become an organ and tissue donor, people could help save a life one day and change someone’s life forever.
“With a decrease in donation and transplantation activity during 2020 due to COVID-19, it’s never been more important to register as organ and tissue donors and to talk to your family about donation,” she said.
“For around 1800 Australians currently on the organ transplant wait list, it’s a matter of life and death.
“There are also an additional 12,000 people on dialysis who may benefit from a kidney transplant.”
The easiest way to register is on the DonateLife website.
Registering is easy and only takes one minute. All you need is your Medicare card.
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