ACT MP Mark Cameron Set for Life-Saving Kidney Transplant

Mark Cameron, a member of the Australian Capital Territory Legislative Assembly, is preparing for a life-saving kidney transplant after a decade-long battle with kidney disease. The procedure is scheduled for early 2024, and it represents a significant turning point in Cameron’s health journey.

Cameron expressed his determination, stating, “I’m going to fight tooth and nail to do what I need to do, get this bloody kidney, celebrate how damnably good that is, and get on with my life.” His partner, Jodie Booth, has played a crucial role in this process by offering one of her kidneys. However, he will not be receiving her kidney directly. Instead, Cameron will benefit from the Australia and New Zealand Paired Kidney Exchange Program, which facilitates compatible kidney donations and exchanges among donors and recipients.

Currently residing on his farm in Northland, Cameron has been preparing for the transplant. He hopes to return to his parliamentary duties when sessions resume in the new year, revitalized by this new chance at life. “I’ve got so much to do. I’ve got so many things I want to tackle, both in Parliament and in my career,” he remarked.

The moment he learned that a compatible donor match was found was emotionally overwhelming. Cameron recalled, “I burst into tears” upon receiving the news. He described the phone call as life-changing, stating, “I was like, excuse me, I gotta ring you back – I was inconsolable.” After two years on the waiting list, he received the call just six weeks after being added.

Booth’s decision to become a donor stems from a previous experience where she wanted to donate part of her liver to a friend who later passed away. “That was her mindset… to make the world a little bit better,” Cameron noted.

Living with kidney disease has been challenging for Cameron, especially since his diagnosis a decade ago when he had only about half of his kidney function. Initially resistant to the severity of his condition, he continued with his life until his health deteriorated. By May 2023, he was placed on dialysis, which cleanses the blood, as his kidney function had declined to just 3%.

In preparation for the transplant, Cameron transitioned from peritoneal dialysis, which is done overnight, to hemodialysis, a more intensive treatment requiring three sessions each week, lasting three to four hours each. He described the experience as, “I affectionately say I’m living on a box, but it’s keeping me alive.” This switch was necessary due to recurring infections from the previous treatment, which posed a risk to his upcoming surgery.

To reduce the risk of further infections, Cameron has been in isolation at his farm until the transplant. He had to postpone his original transplant date from Christmas to early 2024 after developing an infection. The changes brought on by his treatment have also affected his sleep patterns, leading to fatigue during the day and difficulties staying alert while working.

Despite the challenges, Cameron remains committed to his role in Parliament. He acknowledged the support from his party leader, David Seymour, who has allowed him to take time off as needed. Nevertheless, Cameron expressed his desire not to be seen as a “weakest link” in his party. “I said, ‘no, I’m not going to be an Achilles heel to this organisation, we’re a team, and I have to pull my weight,” he asserted.

His thoughts also extend to fellow politician Natasha Kemp from Te Pāti Māori, who recently passed away from kidney disease at the age of 50 while awaiting a transplant. Cameron’s journey highlights not only the personal struggles associated with kidney disease but also the broader issues surrounding organ donation and the importance of support systems during such challenging times.