Conny

"Hello, my name is Conny Kiteley.  On 3^rd July 2014 I had a liver resection.  I donated a piece of my liver to Felix Alderson, my great nephew, aged 1 year, 1 month.  On the 3^rd of July 2014 I saved a life.

Felix was born 1 June 2013; he is my great nephew (by marriage).  Shortly after he was six weeks old his parents Tammy and Paul learned he had Biliary Atresia.

My heart broke for Tammy, Paul and Felix and every hurdle they faced increased my desire to help them in any way possible.

When I found out that Felix and I were the same blood type I started to think through the possibilities of me going through the testing to be a donor.

The more I thought about it, the more I felt that I was in the best possible position to help – my boys were aged 13, 15 and 17 and I had been teaching them to cook meals for over a year, the boys all knew how to turn on the washing machine and where the vacuum cleaner lives!  We live in Auckland, which logistically made it easier for hospital and clinic appointments.  I work part-time at a local kindergarten and had at least 8 weeks of sick leave available to me.  Financially we are secure.  Physically I work hard to be fit and healthy.  I very rarely drink alcohol."

- Conny was able to become a live liver donor and save Felix's life - she documented her experience in a detailed diary so that it could be shared with others that may be considering helping a close friend or family member in the same way. Please contact us if you would like to read a copy of Conny's diary.