Kidney Health Statement On Jonah Lomu

Kidney Health Statement On Jonah Lomu

Kidney Health New Zealand is saddened to hear about the recent passing of Jonah Lomu.

We wish to extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.

Jonah for many years has been a leading advocate for patients with kidney disease – not just in New Zealand but worldwide. Jonah’s personal journey through kidney failure, dialysis and transplantation highlighted the immensely difficult journey that many patients with kidney disease here in New Zealand face.

Like many patients, the initial diagnosis of kidney disease can come with little warning in an otherwise seemingly healthily individual. It is a testimony to the immense strength of Jonah’s spirit and personality that following his diagnosis with kidney failure he was able to continue to play such an important role within the sporting world and wider community.

Jonah’s life is a great demonstration of the crucial role that kidney transplantation has to play here in the New Zealand community. It is estimated that kidney disease affects more than 1 in 10 New Zealanders with several thousand requiring life sustaining dialysis support.

However, the light at the end of the tunnel for many of these patients is kidney transplantation which has a success rate of about 98%. As Jonah’s life demonstrated a kidney transplant can result in many years of restoration to health and well being.

Going forward we hope that one of Jonah’s legacies here in New Zealand is our commitment as a community to look out for each other and see more people willing to “give a kidney” to a loved one or friend in their time of greatest need.

Kidney Health NZ (formally the Kidney Foundation) is a national organisation supporting kidney patients and their families by way of education, advocacy and research across all areas of kidney health - including organ donation and transplant, dialysis, early detection and prevention of chronic kidney disease. For further information or advice, contact the Kidney Health Helpline – 0800 KIDNEYS (543 639)

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