Clare – kidney and pancreas recipient, WA

Clare’s kidney and pancreas transplant in 2016 was not only lifesaving, it was also completely life-changing, getting rid of the diabetes that had plagued Clare since she was a child.

Diagnosed as a Type1 diabetic at the age of 6, Clare battled not only with the day to day challenge of keeping her insulin levels under control but she also had a string of serious illnesses including rheumatoid arthritis, and underactive thyroid and medical-induced lupus.

During a holiday in Thailand in 2010, Clare’s world took another blow as she plummeted into kidney failure. Clare’s life went on hold as she struggled with dialysis and the social isolation which followed.

But in 2016 Clare’s life suddenly changed when she received a kidney and pancreas transplant. Her diabetes has never returned, her kidney function is the same as most ‘normal’ people and she is living life to the full.

Clare said she loves not having to watch everything she eats and being able to live without insulin injections and diabetes medication. To keep fit and active she loves to do yoga and pilates and walking her gorgeous dog Presley, who is her organ donor mascot.

Working part-time at Royal Perth Hospital and studying a Diploma of Enrolled Nursing for the past 12 months Clare is setting up her life to give back.

“I’m really looking forward to completing my training, so I can give back to others. I also want to dedicate my nursing diploma to my donor angel,” she said.

“My donor and their family really have given me a second chance at life, and I have been grabbing it with both hands to make the very best of how fit and healthy I now feel.”