Hope Amidst Hardship

A Family's Fight for Health

magine one minute you’re living a mundane life, and the next, your health takes a sudden decline. Suddenly, you're weighed down by the overwhelming costs of a major medical bill, left facing a whirlwind of emotions and uncertainty.

Unfortunately, this is all too true for Brandon and Ayanda Hodgson, a family whose world was turned upside down when Ayanda (known to many as Mary) was diagnosed with end-stage renal failure.

Mary has battled type 1 diabetes since she was just 10 years old, and now, her kidneys are functioning at just 10 per cent. She has been reliant on peritoneal dialysis for almost two years.

Last year, Mary was approved for a combined kidney-pancreas transplant, offering a chance at a new life free from dialysis and insulin pumps, though it brings its own set of challenges for her family.

As they await a call for a transplant at any moment, they remain determined in faith. But with that hope also comes a host of financial hurdles for their family.

Described as an “emotional rollercoaster,” Brandon assures that Mary is strong beyond belief. Now their mission is not only to raise enough funds for medical expenses but also to raise awareness – reminding everyone that tomorrow is never promised and health is often taken for granted.

In the face of hardship, Brandon and Mary refuse to let this circumstance defeat them.

“You just have to take life by the horns and do the best you can with what you’ve got,” Brandon says.

In just a short amount of time, almost $10,000 has been raised within the local community through their GoFundMe page, and the Hodgson family have been overwhelmed by the generosity.

“The community coming together like this is just fantastic, and it truly warms our hearts,” he says.

“It’s been amazing... we can’t thank everyone enough.”

While some financial pressure has been relieved, the future remains uncertain.

Once Mary receives the green light for transplant surgery, the couple will have to drop everything in Mackay, board a plane the very next day, and relocate to Sydney for further treatment. This means living away from their children for an extended period while facing significant travel, accommodation, and medical costs –all without a solid income.

Every donation, no matter how small, is a step closer to making this incredibly tough time a little easier for this Mackay family.

Aside from financial assistance, Brandon urges others to consider the life-changing impact of organ donation.

“What happens if you pass away, and a transplant of your organs could save someone’s life, but you haven’t checked a box on a website saying I’m an organ donor?” Brandon asks.

“I really hope this brings people together to start the conversation about organ donation.

“Most of all, I want the community to know that their support isn’t just paying for medical bills – it’s buying us ordinary moments we thought we’d lost…and that’s everything to us.”

To donate, visit gofundme.com and search for ‘Support Our Family During Mum’s Transplant Journey'.

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Caption: Brandon and Ayanda Hodgson are facing the challenges of end-stage renal failure and the need for a kidney-pancreas transplant. Photo supplied

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