MY LITTLE BROTHER'S GIFT OF LIFE
YOU South Africa|30 March 2023
Their blood types aren't compatible, which usually means a transplant won't work - but thanks to a revolutionary procedure Chervon's body has not rejected her sibling's kidney
MARELIZE GRBICH
MY LITTLE BROTHER'S GIFT OF LIFE

SHE was 11 when her baby brother was born and she was besotted with him from the start, spending as much time with the chubby, curly-haired little boy as she could.

Chervon Meyer loved him so much she’d do anything for him – but she couldn’t have imagined he’d be the one saving her life years later by literally giving her a part of himself.

Theirs is a tale of faith, hope and love – but it’s also about the wonder of medical science and the power of never giving up.

Chervon (35) is healthy today because her brother, Joshua (24), donated a kidney to her. What makes it even more remarkable is the siblings have different blood types, which often spells rejection for a transplanted organ. But thanks to a revolutionary procedure performed for the first time in Africa, Chervon has a functioning kidney and a whole new lease on life.

It’s been a month since the transplant was performed at Cape Town’s Groote Schuur Hospital and Chervon, a mom of two, is relaxing on the couch in her mom Carol’s home in Rocklands, Mitchells Plain.

Brother and sister share a close bond which is why, when Chervon approached her family about testing as possible kidney donors, Joshua immediately agreed.

However, the odds seemed stacked against them. Joshua was a tissue match for his sister but their blood groups were different. Then the pandemic struck and any possibility of a transplant became a distant dream.

Chervon was on dialysis three days a week for years and her family could do nothing but look on helplessly.

この記事は YOU South Africa の 30 March 2023 版に掲載されています。

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この記事は YOU South Africa の 30 March 2023 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、8,500 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

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