Hospital achieves 300th kidney transplant milestone

Red Cross War Memorial children's hospital celebrated its 300th kidney transplant on Friday, June 6.

- OWN CORRESPONDENT

The children's hospital first opened in 1956, though it performed its first renal transplant in 1968.

The 300th kidney transplant recipient, Cee-Jay Zimmerie, 17, from Grassy Park, who underwent his operation in the middle of May, said he felt much relief.

"I was nervous before the operation. I was also shocked initially when I became sick without warning. I had to mentally prepare myself for surgery, and I am very happy it went well," he said.

Cee-Jay's mother, Alicia recalls the day he was diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease.

"He was only 14 and we were at Groote Schuur at the time when we were told he would need a transplant, and then we started visiting Red Cross.

We're grateful for all of the support from the healthcare workers," she said.