April 11, 2010
Mum's gift saved life of Collingwood champion wifeTHE wife of Collingwood champion James Clement has spoken for the first time about her kidney transplant surgery in a bid to raise organ donor awareness.
Jeanne Clement, a mother of two young children, was operated on in August last year after suffering kidney failure.
Her mother donated the kidney that saved her life.
"Before the transplant just getting out of bed was an effort. I just wanted to sleep all the time," Mrs Clement said.
"And, I was constantly nauseous.
"From the day after the transplant it was like a haze had been lifted and I had clarity again."
Mrs Clement said her energy returned soon after the surgery.
"In the following weeks the hardest thing was not doing too much too soon," she said.
"Most importantly, my mum is in great health and was back playing golf earlier than she probably should have."
James Clement was the vice-captain of AFL team Collingwood when he learned that his wife would need transplant surgery.
He walked away from an outstanding career only three weeks after his 31st birthday so he could focus on his wife and children
Mrs Clement said the support of her husband and family before and after the surgery had been amazing.
"Children and family are important all of the time, but it really hits home when you are sick because that's when you need them the most," she said.
"Starting dialysis wasn't overly pleasant, but I only had to think of my kids and my husband to make it all worth it - I needed and wanted to get better for them.
"And then the transplant was only all a positive experience, especially thanks to my mum and (for) the support of my family and friends, who were incredible before, during and after the operation."
Mrs Clement urged Australians to join the donor registry.
To register as an organ donor visit
www.medicareaustralia.gov.au or free call 1800 777 203.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/mums-gift-saved-life-of-magpie-wife/story-e6frf7kx-1225852247056
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