Presentations in 2006
Peter Auld - When brother Tony was told he needed a kidney transplant after living with kidney disease for twenty years, Peter stepped forward and offered one of his own. After 14 months of tests and waiting, doctors confirmed Peter was a match. In the lead-up to the operation, Peter was told to get fit and try to avoid getting a cold. One of the last tests Peter undertook prior to the surgery involved a doctor examining the number of arteries connected to his kidneys. Peter was able to see both his kidneys on a monitor. He described it as an amazing experience to see with his own eyes what he was about to donate to his brother whilst it was still in his body.
The operation to remove Peter’s kidney took 3-4 hours and Peter was in hospital for seven days, with a further six weeks recovery at home.Peter was fortunate to have a sympathetic employer who allowed him time off work. Peter found that being involved in support groups and talking to others, particularly those undergoing the same experience, has been very beneficial. Peter leads a normal life with one kidney and will always have a special bond with his brother.
Freda Kingsland - has been a long-term carer of kidney health patients. A well-know figure in the Angliss Satellite Centre in Ferntree Gully, part of the Angliss Hospital, Freda has cared for not only her husband, but provided support
and company for many others undergoing dialysis.
Freda’s husband Ray originally started his dialysis treatment at Royal Melbourne Hospital but was transferred to the Angliss Hospital when a satellite centre opened there. Ray was one of only two patients initially but the number eventually grew to 24. Freda accompanied Ray for every treatment (every second day) and would often take in baked goods to share with all the patients and always remembered everyone’s birthday. She also became great friends with the renal unit staff and would assist the nurses by helping other patients get ready for their treatment, for example, weighing them, putting on blood pressure cuffs on and settled each comfortably in their treatment chairs.
Unfortunately, Freda’s husband, Ray, lost his battle with kidney disease. Freda later remarried, having met Colin in the dialysis unit. Colin has been undergoing dialysis for 6-7 years now, three times a week. Freda is Colin’s primary carer, helping with his day-to-day needs such as showering and taking his medication, as well as giving him insulin injections daily (Colin has diabetes). Freda still goes into the unit every Saturday.
Jimmy Little AO - Entertaining generations of Australians since his recording debut in 1956. From chart topping “Royal Telephone” in 1963 to “Messenger” the ARIA Contemporary Album1999, Jimmy has continued to make beautiful music that truly moves people. In recognition of his contribution to the Australian music industry, he was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 1999.
Jimmy began acting in the late 50’s with a major role in “Shadow of the Boomerang”, followed by stage plays including "Black Cockatoos", and films by Tracy Moffatt and Wim Wenders “Until the end of the World”. Jimmy was a recipient of the "Aboriginal of the Year" award in 1989 and elevated to the prestigious Tamworth Roll of Renown in 1994. He was named NSW senior Australian of the year 2002 and received the Australia Councils’ Red Ochre award plus an honorary doctorate from Queensland University of Technology in 2004.
As Jimmy entered his 6th decade in the entertainment business he loves so much, he was diagnosed with kidney disease and began a daily regime of self dialysis. He returned to limited live performances and while on tour, visited renal clinics and community centres across Australia entertaining staff and patients and spreading his message of hope, as living proof of a productive life while on dialysis.
The 2003 ABC release “Down the Road” marked Jimmy’s long awaited return to country music with his album “Life’s what you make it” through Festival/Mushroom records, and sees him reunited again with “Messenger” producer Brendan Gallagher. Following a successful kidney transplant in February 2004, Jimmy has slowed his touring schedule, but still travels Australia attending community events, health seminars and music festivals.
He is patron of The Indigenous Doctors Association of Australia and ambassador for The Fred Hollows Foundation and an ambassador for literacy and numeracy with the Federal Department of Education Science and Training reinforcing positive messages to school children across Australia.
Jimmy is a truly versatile performer with something in his repertoire to entertain any age group. In 2004, a public vote named him a “National Living Treasure”; he received an Australian Order (AO) for his contribution to the entertainment industry and ongoing work with Indigenous education and health and was awarded an honorary doctorate from Queensland University of Technology. On June 3rd Jimmy received an honorary doctorate in music from the University of Sydney.
Tamaryn Stevens - at 13 was diagnosed with an aggressive kidney disease called focal segmental glomerulosclerosis at the age of 10. The condition struck Tamaryn out of the blue, with no family history, nor any obvious explanation. Tamaryn received a kidney transplant in June, with her mother Amy, the organ donor.
Anne Wilson, CEO Kidney Health Australia, first met Tamaryn visiting our Melbourne office to present a cheque for $1500. Tamaryn used her love of drawing to produce a series of hand-drawn cards featuring Australian native parrots, which she created when dialysing, then printed and packaged into sets of four for sale. The $1500 Tamaryn raised will be put toward Kidney Health Australia's national Kidney Kids Camps, where Tamaryn was initially inspired to fundraise.
Tamaryn's story is an inspiration to everyone at Kidney Health Australia, and has strengthened our united resolve to fight kidney and urinary tract disease.