A young woman has been given a new lease of life after her brother gave her ‘the most amazing gift’ of a new kidney
Ebtehal, 33, was diagnosed with the autoimmune condition lupus in 2008. It causes the body’s own immune system to attack the internal organs and tissues. Over time, Ebtehal’s kidney function started to deteriorate.
Doctors told her that without a transplant, Ebtehal would need to start dialysis – and that’s when her older brother; Abdelaziz, 40, stepped in.
As one of eight children, there were a number of family members who might have been potential donors to Ebtehal. However, Abdelaziz – the oldest – was tested first and when he came back a good match, he volunteered immediately.
Ebtehal said: “My brother and I have a really special bond, he always looks after me. Obviously, I was worried for him and didn’t want to put him through the operation, but he insisted, he told me it was not up for discussion.
“I’m so grateful to him. It’s the most amazing gift and I’m really relieved that we are now both recovering well after our procedures. I’m already feeling so much better with my new kidney.”
The family are all from Kuwait and their surgery took place at the Royal Free London Private Patients Unit.
Ebtehal added: “We came here because the Royal Free London is a centre of excellence for kidney care. I want to say thank you to the staff, they looked after us so well.”
Abdelaziz, who works in the civil service in Kuwait, added: “I was so happy to be able to help my sister, I can’t put it into words. I’ve seen her go through her illness for a number of years, and when she needed a kidney there was no doubt that I would do it. I’m really grateful to the staff, They made us feel at home.”
