It's DonateLife week, so we look back on a touching organ donation story we shared last year. If you know of an organ donation story, contact us below.
The saying goes that good things come in pairs but for nine-year-old Bowral resident, Lorelei Murko, and her father, Peter, this wasn't the case.
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The family received an unwanted Christmas present when in late 2017 Lorelei was diagnosed with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and suffered a complete kidney failure.
This was a traumatic experience for the whole family, but for Peter who has dealt with the hereditary condition since he was six years old, it was all too familiar.
Peter and Lorelei both received kidney transplants at the end of 2018, Peter is on his third transplant.
The surgery was a family affair as mother, Jenny, donated her kidney to her husband. Within three months Peter, Jenny and Lorelei had undergone life-changing surgery. In a twist of fate Lorelei was attended by the same nurse that had looked after her father 35 years ago.
Peter puts his daughter's speedy recovery down to the hard-work of the staff at Westmead Hospital.
"Anything can happen, anything is around the corner. To see the amazing job the people from the hospital do was amazing," Peter said.
"Lorelei can can grow up to be anything she wants because of Westmead hospital."
Lorelei dreams of becoming a vet or a scientist when she gets older.
The sweet girl has a love of animals and adores her pet guinea pigs and cat, Harley.
"The doctors take good care of you, make sure you don't feel any pain and that you get the best care possible," Lorelei said.
DonateLife week is from Sunday July 26 to August 2, 2020.
We would love to hear from you if you have donated an organ or are an organ recipient. Email vera.demertzis@southernhighlandnews.com.au.
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