Edward Camphers 25-year-old trip with kidney failure

At the age of 62, Edward Campher spent almost half of his life with dialysis, not only surviving, but embracing any moment with goal, which shows that kidney failure does not mean that life stops.

Johannesburg, South Africa (March 26, 2025) – Edward Campher does not survive alone, he blooms. What started as a life-changing diagnosis of only 38 years old, has turned into a 25-year trip full of resilience, community and hope.

Now 62, Edward is a living example of what is possible when strength, support and the right medical care come together.

At the age of 36, Edward suffered a stroke that paralyzed his left arm and leg. Only two years later, his life shifted again with a diagnosis of kidney failure in the final stage.

The first time a doctor tells you that you are in the final stage kidney failure, it is a lot to process, and it feels like you are coming to terms the end of your life, Edward reflects.

Before that I was an active teacher in primary school in Gauteng, coaching of rugby, cricket, athletics and table tennis and my health would no longer allow that life. In the beginning I just couldn't accept it.

But that was just the start of a new chapter.

Thanks to life -saving dialysis, Edward has now spent a quarter of a century with kidney failure and good life. He still welcomes his favorite teams in sports competitions with his son, finds peace in his garden and shares joy and laughter with friends and his 37 -year -old wife.

His story arrived just after the world kidney day and has an important message: kidney disease in the final stage is not the end, but the cause is a silent threat and must be treated.

Such as Tilly Goverpender, clinical executive of National Renal Care (NRC), explains, very often the kidney disease is quiet without noticeable symptoms until the kidney failure is advanced and can strike at any age.

The main cause in South Africa is hypertension, which affects 38% of patients, but kidney failure can also be the result of diabetes, trauma, infections or even something like routine as long-term use of pain killers. It is striking that there are no clear risk factors for a maximum of 30% of patients.

That is why consciousness and early detection are so important.

With early detection, it is possible to considerably delay kidney function and to delay the need for dialysis. Involvement and empowerment of the patient are really crucial aspects of effective managing kidney disease, says Gavender.

Edwards own journey is not only formed by medical care, but also by the community.

My 37-year-old wife, my family, friends and fellow dialy colleagues stood by my side that their support gave me the inspiration to accept my new life with kidney failure in the final stage.

One of those early supporters was a fellow patient, lovingly known as Tannie Lappies.

She shared her wisdom and experience of years of dialysis that helped me process my condition. She died only three weeks later, but I will always remember her words: trust in God and you will live forever. That made me determined to make the best in my new life and here I am 25 years later.

Over the years, Edward has continued dialysis three times a week, first in the NRC Garden City in Johannesburg and now at NRC George in the West -Kaap.

Through all this he has found goal and presence in his faith, his family and his community.

I live a normal life and I am the same person I was before. I told my friends, you don't have to treat me differently. I am still active in my church and my community of dialysis colleagues, and we support each other.

And that is precisely why his story matters … because it proves what is possible. With the right treatment, a strong support system and a mentality anchored in hope, life with final stage kidney disease can still be full of love, laughter and inheritance.

Edward Campher not only shares his journey. He rewrites the story. One hopeful day at the same time.

Sources: Edward Campher

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