Nurse's Personal Kidney Journey Inspires Organ Donation Awareness
08 Jul 2026
Diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome at just eight weeks old, Dan Hoepner has spent much of his life in and out of hospital. He received his first kidney transplant at the age of six and has since undergone a second transplant. Today, he is waiting for another life-changing donor while working as a Clinical Nurse Consultant in the Clinical Response Unit at Gold Coast University Hospital.
Nephrotic syndrome is a kidney condition that causes large amounts of protein to leak into the urine. This can lead to low protein levels in the blood, high cholesterol and swelling, especially in the face, feet and ankles.
Despite his ongoing health challenges, Dan achieved his dream of becoming a nurse. In his role, he responds to medical emergencies, supports patients whose conditions are worsening and helps clinical teams during critical situations.
Dan says his experience as both a patient and a healthcare worker has helped him better understand the trust, fear and uncertainty patients and their families often feel.
Ahead of DonateLife Week, he hopes his story encourages Australians to have conversations about organ and tissue donation, highlighting how donor transplants have already changed his life twice.
Nurse's Personal Kidney Journey Inspires Organ Donation Awareness
Source: Gold Coast Health