Tasmanian grandmother donates her kidney to two-year-old grandson
A devoted Tasmanian grandmother has given her grandson a second chance at life by donating one of her kidneys.
The fun-loving two-year-old Kaije Boon is finally able to enjoy his childhood after the transplant at the Royal Children's Hospital that has already put a spring in his step.
"Just for him to be able to have fun, just to live a normal two-year-old's life," mother Katelyn Boon told 7 News.
The life-changing organ was a gift from Kaije's 57-year-old grandmother Robyn Butterworth.
Ms Boon said: "I don't think we could ever, ever thank her enough for what she's done."
Grandmother Butterworth has returned home to Tasmania after recovering from keyhole surgery.
The dual operations began at the Austin hospital.
One of Grandmother Butterworth's healthy kidneys was removed and driven to the Royal Children's Hospital where it was transplanted into Kaije during five hours of surgery.
Kaije was born with a congenital kidney disease, having one removed when he was just four days old.
He was kept alive on dialysis for seven weeks before his transplant 12 days ago.
Father Greg Archer said, "once the kidney was attached it started working straight away".
Nephrologist Dr Mandy Walker said surgeons expect the kidney to do well.
"During the operation surgeons were pleasantly surprised to discover Robyn's adult kidney was smaller than average, and fitted perfectly into Kaije's little body," Dr Walker said.
Kaije and his family will remain in Melbourne for several weeks before being able to fly home to Tasmania where there will be a very special reunion with Kaije's granny.
The family has started a fundraising campaign to help Kaije get back on track.
"He loves the rest of his family but he'll always have a piece of his grandmother with him," his mother said.
To donate to Kaije's Big Battle got to www.mycause.com.au.
