June Cantor, a 64 year-old medical secretary from Stoke-on-Trent in the UK insisted on being the donor because she wanted her granddaughter Anna to have her mother by her side when she woke up after the operation.
“I’d do anything to make Anna’s life better. I didn’t have to think twice. I volunteered because I know that when Anna wakes from the operation, the first person she’ll want to see is her mum,” June told the Mirror.
Five-year-old Anna has lost the use of both of her kidneys because of a genetic kidney condition called juvenile nephronophthisis. Her condition has required four sessions of 12-hour dialysis treatment each week.
According to the Organ Donor Register there is no age limit when it comes to donation. As the website states: While your age and medical history will be considered, you shouldn’t assume you’re too young, too old or not healthy enough to become a donor.
Currently there are approximately 1,700 people are on the waiting list for an organ in Australia.
For Anna’s mother Lisa, the generosity of her own mother is something that she is forever thankful for,
“What my mum’s doing is truly amazing. She is essentially saving my daughter’s life. I can’t thank her enough,” she told the Mirror.
