Hello little buddies! 👋

Do you know what your kidneys do? They're like tiny water filters inside your body, and they work super hard every single day to keep you healthy. 💧💚

Your kidneys clean your blood, balance the fluids in your body, and even help control your blood pressure. You’ve got two of them, and they sit near your lower back, just above your hips. But sometimes, these clever little organs stop working properly.

That’s when doctors and heroes step in — with something called a kidney transplant! ⚡️💜

💟️ What Is a Kidney Transplant?

A kidney transplant is when a sick kidney is replaced with a healthy one from someone who has passed away and wanted to help others (we call them a donor), or from someone who chooses to donate while they're still alive, like a parent, aunty, or family friend.

Doctors carefully put the new kidney inside your tummy (not where your old kidneys are!), and connect it to your blood and bladder. The new kidney takes over the job of cleaning your blood, and suddenly your body feels heaps better!

😷 Why Might Someone Need a New Kidney?

When your kidneys don’t work properly, it’s called kidney failure. That means your body can’t get rid of waste or extra water like it’s supposed to.

Some reasons kids might need a kidney transplant include:

🩸 Polycystic Kidney Disease – This means there are big bubbles (called cysts) in the kidneys that stop them from working.

🎮 Nephrotic Syndrome – The kidneys leak too much protein and can’t clean properly.

😵‍💫 Glomerulonephritis – This is when the tiny filters inside the kidneys get inflamed and damaged.

🤦‍♂️ Reflux Nephropathy – Pee (urine) flows the wrong way and damages the kidneys over time.

😞 Kidney Dysplasia – Some babies are born with kidneys that didn’t form properly.

🌺 When kidneys stop working, doctors try medicine first. But if that doesn’t help, there are two options: dialysis or a transplant.

🩼 What is Dialysis?

Dialysis is a special machine that acts like your kidneys.

There are two types:

🤜 Haemodialysis – Your blood goes into a machine that cleans it and sends it back.

🤛 Peritoneal Dialysis – A special liquid goes into your tummy to clean the blood inside your body.

Dialysis is helpful, but it takes a lot of time and can make you tired. A kidney transplant helps you get back to doing fun stuff again!

🧵 How You Prepare

You and your family will visit a hospital that does kidney transplants. You'll meet:

👩‍💻 Kidney doctors (nephrologists)

👩‍🎓 Nurses and transplant team members

🎨 Play therapists who make learning fun

You’ll have tests to check your kidneys, heart, blood, and how your body is doing. If you’re ready, your name goes on the transplant waiting list.

🕗 Waiting for a Donor Kidney

Sometimes the wait can be quick, and sometimes it takes longer. Your doctors will keep in touch and help you stay strong.

When a matching kidney is found, the hospital will call right away and say, "It’s time!"

🏥 Before the Surgery

You’ll head to hospital and:

🙏 Get your PJs on

🚐 Say hi to the nurses

🙇 Be given sleepy medicine (anaesthetic) so you don’t feel a thing

👵 What Happens During the Surgery?

The doctors:

💔 Remove the old, sick kidney (or leave it in if it's not causing problems)

💡 Gently place the new one in your lower tummy

🤾 Connect it to your blood vessels and bladder

The surgery takes about 3–4 hours. Then you’ll wake up in the ICU, a special quiet room with amazing nurses.

🌟 What Happens After?

🛌 You’ll rest in hospital for a few weeks

🌿 You’ll take anti-rejection medicines every day so your body doesn’t attack the new kidney

🚑 You’ll have regular visits to the hospital for blood tests and check-ups

🥳 How Do You Feel After?

Most kids feel AMAZING! You’ll:

🌼 Have more energy

🏊 Pee normally again

🏃 Play, run, dance, and laugh!

😞 What If the New Kidney Doesn’t Work?

Sometimes the kidney stops working after a while. That’s okay — you’ll go back on the list, or use dialysis until a new kidney comes.

Your transplant team is always there to help. You’re never alone. 💕

😊 Coping and Support

Feeling nervous, scared, or confused is normal! But you have lots of helpers:

👦👧 Doctors and nurses

🤞 Social workers and counsellors

💃 Other transplant kids

🌻 Groups like Kidney Health Australia, Transplant Australia and Donate Buddies

🍽️ What Should I Eat?

Healthy food helps your new kidney stay strong:

🍏 Fruit and veggies

🥚 Healthy carbs (pasta, bread, rice)

🥩 Protein (meat, fish, eggs)

🌮 Less salt and soft drinks

You’ll meet a dietitian who makes it easy (and tasty!).

🏃️ Can I Still Play?

Yes! Once you heal, moving your body is awesome for your new kidney.

Try:

🚴 Riding your scooter or bike

🏊 Swimming

💃 Dancing

🏀 Gentle sport (when the doctor says it’s safe)

😍 Remember This!

A kidney transplant isn’t just an operation. It’s a second chance, a new beginning, and a story full of kindness and hope.

And YOU are the hero of your own story. Keep asking questions, keep smiling, and know that all of us at Donate Buddies are cheering you on! 🙌

🌟 Want to learn more?

Visit Katie & Kenny the Kidneys': https://www.donatebuddies.com.au/katie-and-kenny-the-kidneys

Check out: donatebuddies.com.au/hero-wall to meet other amazing kids just like you!