Brotherly Love: Former Bowling Champ Competes After Life-Saving Kidney Transplant
SINGAPORE – A former national bowler is set to compete in the Singapore Transplant Games just months after receiving a life-saving kidney transplant from his brother. Carl de vries, 42, who received the kidney from his brother Marc, 45, in January 2024, is defying the odds and showcasing the success of organ donation. The brothers’ story highlights the profound impact of living organ donation and the remarkable recovery possible with timely intervention.
A Brother’s Sacrifice: “I Didn’t Think of Anything Else”
Marc de Vries, without hesitation, offered his kidney to his brother Carl upon learning of his diagnosis. “He’s family. He’s my brother. I didn’t think of any other thing accept to help save him,” Marc said. This act of selfless generosity has allowed Carl to return to an active life and compete in the upcoming games.
Unexpected Diagnosis: A Life-Altering Discovery
In 2018, Carl, a gold medalist at the 2006 Asian Bowling Championships, received a diagnosis of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease during a routine health check. This genetic condition leads to the development of cysts in the kidneys and can ultimately cause kidney failure. Despite leading an active lifestyle, Carl experienced increasing fatigue in the two years leading up to his transplant.
Pre-emptive Transplant: A Rare and Effective Solution
Dr. hersharan Kaur Sran, medical director of the Adult Kidney Transplantation Program at the National University Center for Organ Transplantation (NUH), recommended a pre-emptive kidney transplant for Carl. This procedure, performed before dialysis becomes necessary, offers the best outcomes for patient and kidney survival. According to NUH, only 82 pre-emptive kidney transplants were performed which shows how rare this procedure is.
Rising Above the Odds: Competing in the Singapore Transplant Games
Carl will participate in badminton at the Singapore transplant Games, pushing himself in a new sport.The games, organized every two years by the Society of Transplantation (singapore) and transplant centers at NUH and Singapore General Hospital, will feature over 70 competitors in seven sports.Winners may have the opportunity to compete in the World Transplant Games.
Living Donation: A Gift of Life
Singapore performed 103 kidney transplants in 2024, with 57 from living donors and 46 from deceased donors. The average wait time for a kidney from a deceased donor is approximately eight years.The brothers’ story underscores the importance of living donation and the life-changing impact it can have on recipients.
A Stronger Bond: The Silver Lining
While the brothers admit they weren’t always the closest, the transplant experience has deepened their connection. “We are opening up to each other more now. Maybe that came naturally after the transplant,” Marc said. Both brothers are recovering well, with Marc back to playing golf and Carl regaining his energy, proving that life after kidney donation can lead to living a very happy life.
Hear are two PAA related questions based on the text:
Brotherly Love: Former Bowling Champ Competes After Life-Saving Kidney Transplant
SINGAPORE – A former national bowler is set to compete in the Singapore Transplant Games just months after receiving a life-saving kidney transplant from his brother. Carl de vries, 42, who received the kidney from his brother Marc, 45, in January 2024, is defying the odds and showcasing the success of organ donation. The brothers’ story highlights the profound impact of living organ donation and the remarkable recovery possible with timely intervention.
A brother’s sacrifice: “I Didn’t Think of Anything Else”
Marc de Vries, without hesitation, offered his kidney to his brother Carl upon learning of his diagnosis. “He’s family. He’s my brother. I didn’t think of any other thing accept to help save him,” Marc said. This act of selfless generosity has allowed Carl to return to an active life and compete in the upcoming games.
Unexpected Diagnosis: A Life-Altering discovery
In 2018,Carl,a gold medalist at the 2006 Asian bowling Championships,received a diagnosis of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease during a routine health check. This genetic condition leads to the development of cysts in the kidneys and can ultimately cause kidney failure. Despite leading an active lifestyle, Carl experienced increasing fatigue in the two years leading up to his transplant.
Pre-emptive Transplant: A Rare and Effective Solution
Dr. hersharan Kaur Sran, medical director of the Adult Kidney Transplantation Program at the National University Center for Organ Transplantation (NUH), recommended a pre-emptive kidney transplant for Carl. This procedure, performed before dialysis becomes necessary, offers the best outcomes for patient and kidney survival.According to NUH,only 82 pre-emptive kidney transplants were performed which shows how rare this procedure is.
Rising Above the Odds: Competing in the Singapore Transplant Games
Carl will participate in badminton at the Singapore transplant games, pushing himself in a new sport.The games, organized every two years by the Society of transplantation (singapore) and transplant centers at NUH and Singapore General Hospital, will feature over 70 competitors in seven sports.winners may have the possibility to compete in the World Transplant Games.
Living Donation: A Gift of Life
Singapore performed 103 kidney transplants in 2024, with 57 from living donors and 46 from deceased donors. The average wait time for a kidney from a deceased donor is approximately eight years.The brothers’ story underscores the importance of living donation and the life-changing impact it can have on recipients.
A Stronger Bond: The Silver Lining
While the brothers admit they weren’t always the closest, the transplant experience has deepened their connection. “We are opening up to each other more now. Maybe that came naturally after the transplant,” Marc said. Both brothers are recovering well, with Marc back to playing golf and Carl regaining his energy, proving that life after kidney donation can led to living a very happy life.
Q&A: Unpacking the De Vries Brothers’ Story
Q: What is autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD)?
A: ADPKD is a genetic disorder that causes cysts to form in the kidneys, eventually leading to kidney failure. It’s a progressive condition, meaning it worsens over time. Ther is no cure, but treatments exist.
Q: What is a pre-emptive kidney transplant?
A: A pre-emptive transplant is a kidney transplant performed before the patient requires dialysis. This approach is often preferred because it can lead to better outcomes and avoid the complications associated with dialysis.
Q: how common are pre-emptive kidney transplants?
A: According to NUH, they are relatively rare. In 2024,only 82 pre-emptive transplants were performed.
Q: What are the Singapore Transplant Games?
A: The singapore Transplant Games are held every two years and are organized by the Society of Transplantation (Singapore) and transplant centers from NUH and Singapore General Hospital. They give transplant recipients a chance to compete in various sports and celebrate their renewed health. The winners may qualify for the World Transplant Games.
Q: What are the benefits of living kidney donation?
A: Living donation offers several advantages, including shorter wait times for a transplant (compared to deceased donors), the ability to plan the surgery, and often better outcomes for the recipient.
Q: What is the wait time for a kidney from a deceased donor in Singapore?
A: The average wait time is approximately eight years. This highlights the critical need for living donors.
Q: How can I become a living donor?
A: If you are interested in becoming a living donor,you should consult with a transplant center. They will evaluate your health and compatibility with the potential recipient.
The story of Carl and Marc de Vries underscores the profound impact and benefits of living organ donation.Consider the gift of life – learn more about organ donation today!
