Celebrating 20 years since dad’s kidney transplant gift transformed son’s life
A 32-year-old teacher from Dumfries, who received a life-changing kidney transplant from his dad, is celebrating 20 dialysis-free years by joining hundreds of people at a major fundraising event in Glasgow, along with his wife and two-year-old son.
Keven Rudd and his family will be attending the Kidney Research UK Glasgow Bridges Walk, which begins at 10am on Sunday 31 August from Glasgow Green. The event aims to raise awareness and fund research into kidney disease, improving life for patients like Keven.
Keven says: “I was fortunate that, when my kidneys failed as a child, I had family who could offer me a transplant. My kidneys were damaged at birth and got progressively worse until I needed dialysis at just 11 years old. Constant treatment isolated me from friends and affected my education. It was only receiving a transplant from my dad which gave me a chance at a more normal life.
“I am so thankful that my kidney continues to function. Every year that goes by, I get together with my family to mark my ‘kidneyversary’, and Mum buys me and Dad a card to celebrate. Reaching 20 years is a significant milestone and I wanted to do something special, so we decided to join the Glasgow Bridges Walk.
“It’s important for me to support kidney research and give back to the people who have helped me, so more patients can benefit in the future. I’ve heard from friends who have completed the walk in previous years that the atmosphere is amazing, so I can’t wait to be part of it with my wife, Alanah, and son, Flynn.
“I’m looking forward to seeing people from my renal unit and meeting other walkers who are all there for the same purpose, to make a difference for kidney patients.”
Childhood kidney disease
Keven was born with posterior urethral valves (PUV) - a condition which causes urine to be pushed back into the kidneys from the bladder due to a blockage in the urethra.
Keven says: “I’ve had kidney problems my whole life and have never known any different. The renal unit was my second home when I was born. I needed all kinds of tests and surgeries to divert my urine using a stoma.
“My kidney function deteriorated throughout childhood, and I needed dialysis at 11 years old. Life was so regimented and I was exhausted all the time. Friends wanted to spend time together but I missed out and felt different to everyone else. I was isolated and lost almost two years of education to dialysis, illness and hospital visits.
“I didn’t realise how disrupted my early childhood was until I received my transplant at 13 years old. I’d been ill so often, that it was just part of normal life for me. Thankfully, my mum, dad and sister have always been there for me practically and emotionally. They helped me stay positive and keep up academically.”
Dad’s kidney gift
Several family members came forward for testing to donate a kidney to Keven, but it was his dad, Alex, who was the closest match.
Keven says: “We’re a close-knit family and everyone wanted to help. I remember feeling apprehensive and excited before our transplant. I knew it was a big moment in our lives. Thankfully, everything went well, and Dad and I were well cared for. I’ll always remember the renal nurses who looked after me.
“I felt much better post-transplant and realised what it was like to feel normal for the first time. Without dialysis restrictions, I went back to school and was able to spend time with friends. I could finally keep up with activities without being exhausted.
“Dad recovered well too, and you’d never know that he lives with one kidney. I’m so thankful to him for giving me this kidney which has lasted so many years. I’ve been able to live a relatively normal life, going to university, becoming a teacher and starting a family. It hasn’t had a huge impact in my adult life so far, although I know that isn’t the case for everyone.”
Walking for research
Although Keven’s experience post-transplant has been overwhelmingly positive, he is acutely aware that his kidney is unlikely to last him a lifetime.
Transplants are not a cure, lasting an average of 20-25 years from a living donor and 15-20 years from a deceased donor. If or when the transplant fails, Keven will need a further transplant or require dialysis.
Keven says: “I know one day I will go to an appointment, and my renal consultant will tell me that I need a second transplant. Until then, I try not to dwell on it. Aside from urine infections and being more vulnerable to picking up illnesses because of my immunosuppressants, I am still relatively healthy.
“I’m enjoying life, and my kidney could last for many more years. I’ve heard stories of people reaching 50 years with their transplants. I hope I’m able to tell a similar story one day. My experience has been positive so far, but I’m very aware that many people are not so fortunate, having to face transplant rejection, long-term dialysis and transplant waiting lists.
“I hope that by participating in the Glasgow Bridges Walk, I can help start more conversations about the impact of kidney disease and fund research that can make a difference to patient’s lives. A lot has changed over the past 20 years, so let’s see how much further forward we can push treatments.”
Want to be part of #TeamKidney in Glasgow?
You can join Keven at the Glasgow Bridges Walk and set your best foot forward for research.