PE student thanks God and brother for prospect of new kidney

Port Elizabeth student Khanya Aba, 23, is excited about the prospect of leading a normal life after she undergoes a kidney transplant at Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town on July 19.

Khanya, who suffers from acute kidney failure and has been a diabetic since she was six, will be receiving a kidney from her brother, Mawande, who was found to be a perfect match after undergoing testing in June 2015.

“I’m so happy at the way God came through for me. I’m happy my life will be normal again. I’m so grateful to my brother, that he is prepared to risk his life for me. That’s love,” Khanya said.

Surprised
She said she was surprised that a date for her operation had been set “so soon” as she knew there was a long waiting list.

A public administration student at Damelin College, she said she has missed weeks at a time of lectures and work this year because of frequent visits to hospital and being too sick or tired to cope with her studies.

Growing up with her two siblings who were healthy she said she would often get angry, wondering why it was that she was always sick.

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But through attending church and the encouragement of a Christian boyfriend and Christian friends she learned that God’s plan for her life was not sickness: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” — Jer 29:11

While she was excited about the prospect of leading a normal life she said she was initially quite afraid of the serious operation. But after some counselling she said she was ready to put her fears aside and trust in God.

Help needed with Cape Town accommodation
Khanya’s father, mother and brother will accompany her to Cape Town. They say they were not quite prepared for the time away when the operation date was confirmed sooner than expected. They will leave for Cape Town on July 13. Fortunately they have medical aid cover for Khanya’s surgey and hospitalisation but they need help with accommodation in Cape Town which they estimate will cost around R10 000. Anybody who would like to contribute to their accommodation expenses can contact Michelle Moss at michellemoss4@gmail.com.

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