When Roché van Vuuren, a 43-year-old teacher from Humansdorp, felt called by God to donate a kidney, she had no idea her obedience would transform a life.
Guided by unwavering faith, her sacrifice became the second chance that Thornhill teacher, Cameron Goliath, desperately needed in his battle against Stage 5 chronic kidney disease.
The story is deeply personal for Cameron’s father, Eugene Goliath, and Roché’s husband, Denzil van Vuuren.
These childhood friends who grew up together in Arcadia, Gqeberha, later became colleagues at Kouga Local Municipality, where they are both currently employed, and family by marriage.
Thirty-year-old Cameron’s health struggles began in 2022 when gout attacks led to treatment with Puricos.
Despite initial success, symptoms worsened, and in September 2023, severe pain and muscle cramps signalled something far more serious.
A shocking 274/128 blood pressure reading confirmed acute renal failure, leaving dialysis as his only lifeline.
Then came the hope that would change everything. Roché approached Cameron with a conviction: “God already spoke to me – your kidney is here.”
Though he initially dismissed it, her faith never wavered. Yet Roché insists she is no saviour.
“I am no better than the next person, nor a better believer, nor a better Christian,” said Roché. “I am just an ordinary person with my own faults – one whom the Lord chose to do His work through.”
Journey of obedience
Her journey of obedience began long before the transplant. She recalls how God tested her willingness through various challenges, from leaving her church to praying for a terminally ill child she had never met.
“In December 2017, God told me to donate a kidney to someone in Humansdorp,” she said.
Driven by urgency, she scoured Facebook for a recipient, finding a young boy in need. Tragically, he passed away.
But Roché was convinced the kidney belonged to someone else – her husband’s colleague’s son, who was battling advanced kidney failure.
Transplant journey
The transplant journey was rigorous.
Two years of medical tests, specialist consultations, and bureaucratic red tape followed, as non-familial donations required approval through the Department of Health.
Doctors marvelled at the 99% crossmatch between Roché and her recipient, questioning whether they were secretly related.
The surgery was set for April 2020.
But just days before, it was cancelled – her blood pressure had soared too high.
“I was disappointed, but by now I knew my God. There had to be a reason He stopped this at number 99,” said Roché.
A few years later, when Cameron’s kidney failure was confirmed, she knew – this was it.
“At the coordinator’s office, we discovered that his entire family – mother, father, sister, wife, and brother-in-law – had the same blood type. But each one was ruled out for different medical reasons,” said Roché. “I stood there, the lone survivor, and said to the Lord, ‘Then it will be, Lord.’”
Trust in God
Cameron said that throughout this journey, his trust was in God.
“I did not stop praying or look for people to blame. God strengthened me and still does,” said Cameron. “It was incredibly challenging, but I remained positive. I had the best support system anyone could have asked for. My wife cried more than I did, but she stayed by my side. The prayers of my family, friends, colleagues and congregation were overwhelming.”
After extensive testing and final clearances, the transplant was scheduled for December 6, 2024, at UCT Academic Hospital in Cape Town.
Today, seven months post-surgery, Roché is still recovering, but no longer relies on medication.
“My blood pressure has stabilised. I no longer take any tablets. I can do light exercises, but I avoid heavy lifting now,” said Roché.
Save a life
She encourages others to visit the Organ Donor Foundation website and register as donors, emphasising that the impact is life-changing.
“You can save a life while you are still alive and well. You can donate a kidney, a piece of your liver (liver regenerates itself). So many people out there are suffering from sickness that they did not cause themselves, and here we are healthy and able to help, but we do not,” said Roché. “Somebody asked me: Why are you doing this? I cannot understand, because the Lord gave you two kidneys, that means you need two kidneys, doesn’t it? My response was: The Lord gave us two kidneys because He knew although others also have two, they might need one of yours to help them. He gave us two to see if we are willing to help.”
Cameron is thriving
Cameron, meanwhile, is thriving.
“I spent 17 days in UCT Academic Hospital,” said Cameron. “Though recovery had its challenges, this transplant has given me a second chance. Compared to dialysis, my health is 100% better – I feel stronger, more energised, and sleep better. My nephrologist monitors my kidney function regularly. I still take anti-rejection medication daily, for life, but I am free from dialysis. Because my immune system is suppressed, I take precautions, including wearing a mask in public.”
Through it all, his faith remained steadfast.
“I never stopped praying. This transplant was God’s plan all along,” said Cameron.
More than a medical miracle, this was a testimony of obedience and divine purpose.
“Aunty Chea (Roché) is family, but she was also chosen by God for this,” Cameron shared.
“Her faith saved my life.”
Organ Donation Foundation
According to the Organ Donation Foundation, organ donation is one of the most profound ways to save lives and make a lasting impact.
A single donor can provide hope and healing to multiple recipients, restoring their health and transforming their futures.
Yet, many people remain uncertain about the process, its benefits, and how they can take part in this life-changing decision.
How to become an organ donor
The process of registering as an organ and tissue donor is simple and accessible.
Anyone interested in becoming a potential donor can sign up online or contact the Organ Donor Foundation via their toll-free line at 0800 22 66 11.
Once registered, individuals receive an organ donor card to carry in their wallet, along with stickers to place on their identity document and driver’s licence.
However, an essential step in this process is discussing the decision with family members and ensuring they honour your wishes when the time comes.
Who can be a donor?
Almost anyone in good health without chronic conditions that could affect a recipient may be considered a donor.
Even those with existing medical conditions may still be eligible, as the decision on which organs or tissues can be transplanted is made at the time of death.
Organ donation vs tissue donation
There is an important distinction between organ donation and tissue donation. Organ transplants occur when a person has been declared brain dead but remains on life support.
Meanwhile, tissue retrieval can happen several hours or even days after death.
Unlike organ transplants, tissues such as corneas, skin, bone, tendons, and heart valves are stored in a tissue bank, allowing their use over time.
The lifesaving potential of organ donation
Organ donation can save up to seven lives.
A donor’s heart, kidneys and lungs offer vital hope to those in need.
Similarly, tissue donation can help up to 50 people, restoring sight, healing burns, and aiding various medical conditions.
Important considerations
Donors have full control over which organs and tissues they wish to donate, and families play an essential role in ensuring their loved one’s wishes are respected.
Once consent is given, organs must be removed immediately to ensure successful transplantation. However, tissue donation remains possible for days after death, making it an option even for individuals who pass away outside of hospital settings.
Myths and misconceptions
Many potential donors have concerns about cost, funeral delays, disfigurement, or whether doctors will truly determine death before donation. However, all medical procedures related to donation are fully funded, meaning families incur no expenses.
Furthermore, the donation process is conducted with dignity and care, ensuring no visible changes to the body.
Death is confirmed through rigorous medical testing by two independent doctors before organ retrieval occurs.
Religious and ethical perspectives
Most religions support organ donation as it aligns with life preservation and generosity.
If someone is uncertain about their faith’s stance, speaking with a spiritual leader can provide clarity.
Additionally, organ donation remains strictly voluntary, and individuals can change their minds at any time by informing their families and removing donor identification.
Living organ donation
While most donations occur posthumously, some organs, such as a kidney, can be donated while the donor is alive, often to family members or individuals with compatible tissue types.
Spreading awareness
One of the best ways to support organ donation is to inform family and friends about its importance. Additionally, wearing an organ donor bracelet, necklace or disk, can signal your commitment to saving lives.
These items are available from Medic Alert and Elixir Medical Shields.
They can be contacted at 021 425 7328 / 0861 112 979 or 0861 115 178, respectively.
The true meaning of organ donation
Ultimately, organ and tissue donation is an act of generosity – a gift of life.
It is a way of extending hope beyond one’s lifetime, giving others the chance to experience renewed health, mobility, and well-being.
By registering today, discussing your decision with family, and advocating for awareness, you can become a vital part of this life-changing movement.
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