Share

Welkom mom suffers setback after donating kidney to save her daughter

accreditation
Lisa and Lorechelle Steenkamp. (Photo: Papi Morake)
Lisa and Lorechelle Steenkamp. (Photo: Papi Morake)

Lisa Steenberg (33) from Welkom collapsed in tears when she realised it was her turn to suffer kidney disease.

"I still cry, but if I could do it again, I would," she says. "I'll always put my child's needs before my own."

Her 15-year-old daughter, Larochelle, had waited for a kidney transplant nearly two years after she was first diagnosed with severe kidney failure at age 13. At the time she had just 5% kidney function.

In October 2017 Lisa decided to risk her own life to save her child's and donated one of her own kidneys to Larochelle. Lisa had to shed 60kg before surgery.

Now Lisa is unwell and Larochelle needs to take care of her mother

"I started feeling sick a few months ago. During blood tests my blood pressure was very high. I immediately knew something was wrong," Lisa says.

Her kidney doesn’t function optimally and she may develop kidney failure.

She says further tests are needed to establish exactly what's wrong.

"Larochelle is doing very well. She's a healthy teenager and is trying to help and support me where she can."

Lisa and Lorechelle Steenkamp kidney disease trans

But there's a limit to what Larochelle can do for her mother.

"We don't have medical aid and with the closest state hospital in Bloemfontein all my blood tests must be done at a private hospital. Also, I'm on a strict diet and the foods I need are ridiculously expensive."

Lisa is due to have more tests on May 29 to determine the condition of her kidney.

Image credit: Papi Morake/YOU

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()