Currently being on holidays, I thought i’d continue with the blog and introducing myself. Having only discovered the joys of blogging a few years ago, it’s only now I feel I have the time to sit down and make this post, and talk about it.

I was born with a rare, aggressive form of kidney disease known as FSGS when I was 2 1/2 years old. Being a young child of immigrant parents, I was in and out of hospital all my life. Suddenly, 4 years old and unable to even spell the alphabet, I was thrust into White Australian Catholic School.

Sink or Swim 101.

I faced the daunting task of beginning my school life managing my illness, whilst always knowing I was different.

While other kids competed in the swimming carnival, ate vegemite sandwiches, I did blood tests and had fluid hooked up to my arm. Put on huge doses of steroids, and unable to articulate the side effects of the drugs, I put on weight, gained facial hair and stopped growing. I was severely bullied and didn’t know what to do.

My kidneys ultimately failed by the time I was 12. Faced with the momentous task of starting high school, I also began peritoneal dialysis. In 2008, after a year of dialysis I underwent my kidney transplant.

Having a transplant has completely changed my life. I will never be able to express in words how grateful I am. I’m now currently in my third year of university, about to begin my honours. Majoring in graphic design, I hope to pursue a career in advertising (p.s. if anyone in the advertising/media field reads this and wants to collaborate, hit me up)

I went dancing, jogging, had my first kiss. I had my first few (slightly unsuccessful lol) part time jobs, and went on some amazing holidays with my family. (Love you Mum and Dad)

Here’s my blog, sharing all my tips and tricks for all things transplant related. I hope I can help a few people through this blog, even if it’s just a smile reading this!

XxxX