Hussein – kidney recipient
“He’s had so many operations throughout his whole lifetime...he never cried, always took everything as it is. He's a very firm believer that God does not burden a soul beyond what it can bear.”
At six years old, Hussein was diagnosed with nephronophthisis, and his kidney function began declining. He was on dialysis for two years.
His older sister, Ikram, describes his optimism and resilience: “He was always aware of his condition, he would take everything as it goes.”
At seven years old, Hussein was put on the waitlist for a donor kidney and he stayed on the waitlist for four years. The day they received the call, they were overwhelmed with shock and joy.
“We were just crying out of pure excitement and happiness,” Ikram says. “We don’t know who the organ donor is, but we’re just obviously really grateful...always keeping them in our dua (prayers).”
Ikram has since been inspired to study nursing and register as an organ donor.
“I’d love to help people as much as they’ve helped my family, and sort of repay that favour.”
