Kidney donation gives Brett back his normal life

A kidney donation has transformed the life of Drouin resident Brett Mellor, who suffered from Polycistic Kidney Disease (PKD).

The genetic condition caused Brett’s kidneys to progressively grow and form cysts, which resulted in many other health conditions.

The life-saving transplant came from the decision a family made at the hardest of times – to donate their loved-one’s organs.

Since the surgery in late 2020, Brett’s body has made a dramatic recovery and he can now return to his normal life.

“Once I received the transplant it was like night and day, the difference in everything, your physicality, how your body functions,” Brett said.

Diagnosed with PKD at 18-years-old, Brett has had health problems for the past 20 years.

The usual size of a kidney is around 10cm, however one of Brett’s had grown to 32cm.  The cysts on his kidneys could rupture and bleed, as a result he was anemic, and had cerebral aneurysm problems.

At one point before the transplant, he had lost 30kg in body weight and muscle mass.

“I was very, very weak and could no longer perform the normal jobs I did at work, so my career changed completely,” he said.

As an adult, he underwent four years of dialysis, many hospital visits, and many surgeries.

He described dialysis treatment as life-saving but difficult, he would spend 30 hours a week in hospital.

“I lived in the city for a long period of time namely because the contact with hospitals is much easier.

“It impacts your life hugely, it becomes a second full time job,” he said.

The kidney transplant allows him to return to his normal job in the entertainment industry, where he set up live shows and events.

“Now that I’m back to a point of almost full health again, I can get back into doing shows again, I can travel again,” he said.

It has also allowed Brett to move back home to Drouin, as he no longer needs to receive dialysis.

“I grew up in Warragul but left when I was 18, but it’s just good to be back especially with everything that’s going on in the world, it’s a great place to be,” he said.

Brett is incredibly thankful to his donor and has signed up to donate his own organs as well.

“While I can’t use all of my body, there’s still certain parts of it that will go to a good place and that effect you can have on someone’s life when you pass is just amazing.

“My donor, it’s a person you’ll never know but I can’t thank them enough for what they’ve given to me and probably what they’ve given to so many other people as well,” he said.

In 2020, there were 131 deceased organ donors in Victoria. Around 1800 Australians are currently waitlisted for an organ transplant. A further 13,000 Australians are currently on dialysis, many of whom would benefit from a kidney transplant.

It only takes one minute to register as an organ and tissue donor at donatelife.gov.au or through the Medicare Express Plus app. Those interested are encouraged to tell their family, as the final decision will be made by next of kin.

Brett is encouraging everyone to consider donating.