When wife and mum of three Lorraine Anker found out she needed a kidney transplant, her husband Tony immediately volunteered. However, it was only six months after the transplant when the couple discovered that they were incompatible for the procedure.
Lorraine desperately tested with several others of Tony’s siblings and other friends, but to no avail. Just when the situation seemed dire, a friend of Lorraine’s, Judy Mitchell, was found to be the perfect transplant match. Judy selflessly agreed to be Lorraine’s renal donor. The pair first met through their young daughters, when their girls were attending the same school in Wollongong at that time. After Lorraine returned to Sydney with her family, Judy and Lorraine remained in touch as close friends.
Kidney transplants have transformed many people’s lives across Australia, including Lorraine’s. Now 10 years on from her transplant, Lorraine is still living life to the fullest. She runs around after grandchildren, keeps fit, and even competed twice in The Australian Transplant Games in 2012 and 2014 – with Judy. This story of kindness, compassion and love between two friends would not be possible without the continued support from the Prince of Wales Hospital Foundation.
The charity arm of the hospital has raised more than $1 million for kidney disease research and the Prince of Wales Hospital Kidney Biobank (south east Sydney’s first) where they are accelerating new advances in patient treatment, early detection and care. To help support 55 years since the first kidney transplant in New South Wales and stories like Lorraine and Judy’s, you can donate to the Prince of Wales Hospital Foundation and its efforts with the Kidney Biobank at www.powhf.org.au.
Readers also enjoyed our story on Sharon McGowan
