Steve Brown’s kidney journey highlights the life-changing impact of organ donation
28 Sep 2026
His kidney problems were first discovered in the early 1990s after he sought medical help for ongoing headaches. Tests showed protein in his urine, which led to further investigation.
Around two years later, Steve was referred to the renal unit in Hobart. He was told that dialysis could be needed within three to four years. His kidneys declined sooner than expected, and dialysis became necessary after about two years.
Steve initially used peritoneal dialysis. He learned to carry out the treatment himself while continuing with work and his normal activities.
Dialysis sometimes meant finding practical ways to fit treatment into everyday life. During one trip to Dover, Steve recalls warming his dialysis fluid on the dashboard of his car before carrying out his exchanges near the beach.
For Steve, adapting to treatment became part of continuing to live his life.
After he developed peritonitis, a serious infection, peritoneal dialysis was no longer suitable and he moved to haemodialysis.
His medical treatment continued alongside major personal milestones. Steve even married on a Sunday before going to hospital for surgery the following day.
A family member becomes a donor
As Steve's kidney function worsened, his family looked for ways to help.
His father was prepared to donate a kidney, but medical tests before the procedure unexpectedly found diabetes, meaning he could not become a donor.
About a year later, Steve's brother was able to donate.
The transplant was successful and gave Steve nine years away from dialysis. During that time, he returned to work and enjoyed playing football and cricket.
A sporting injury later changed his situation. A pain medicine used after the injury contributed to the failure of his transplanted kidney.
Steve once again needed dialysis.
For three and a half years, haemodialysis was part of his routine before another opportunity came through.
He was urgently asked to travel to Melbourne, where he received specialised plasma exchange treatment before undergoing his second kidney transplant.
This kidney came from a deceased donor. The donor's family had chosen organ donation following the young man's death.
Steve says he remains grateful for the choice they made during an extremely difficult time.
A chance meeting brings his story full circle
Steve's second transplant also connected him unexpectedly with someone involved in the research behind it.
While walking in Hobart, he met a scientist from Kidney Health Australia. During their conversation, Steve discovered that she had worked on compatibility research that contributed to making his second transplant possible.
The meeting highlighted for him how many people can be involved in a transplant journey. Donor families, clinicians and researchers can all play a part in helping patients receive another opportunity for life.
Steve now speaks publicly about his experience and encourages people to think about organ donation.
He asks people to record their decision about becoming an organ donor and discuss that decision with their families.
For Steve, organ donation was not simply part of his medical treatment. It became the reason he was able to continue living.
Steve Brown’s kidney journey highlights the life-changing impact of organ donation
Source: Kidney Health Australia