ACT MP Mark Cameron Prepares for Life-Saving Kidney Transplant

Mark Cameron, a Member of Parliament for the Australian Capital Territory, is on the verge of a significant medical milestone as he prepares for a life-saving kidney transplant scheduled for early 2024. After a decade-long battle with kidney disease, the transplant represents a critical turning point in his health journey.

Cameron expressed his determination in a recent interview, 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, is a key figure in this process, having offered to donate one of her kidneys. Although Booth is not the direct donor for Cameron’s upcoming transplant, she is a part of the Australia and New Zealand Paired Kidney Exchange Program, which facilitates compatible kidney donations among living donors.

Cameron spoke to The Post from his farm in Northland, where he has been residing in anticipation of the procedure. He hopes to return to Parliament when the session resumes in the new year, newly invigorated by his transplant. “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 emotional weight of this journey became apparent when Cameron received the news of his donor match. He recounted the moment he “burst into tears” upon learning that a perfect match had been found. “I was like, excuse me, I gotta ring you back – I was inconsolable,” he said, reflecting on the significance of the moment.

Cameron’s health challenges began approximately ten years ago when he was diagnosed with kidney disease. At that time, he retained about 50% kidney function but chose to push through, insisting he was too busy to acknowledge the severity of his condition. It was not until May 2023 that he was placed on dialysis, a treatment he describes as essential for his survival. Before the transplant, he transitioned from peritoneal dialysis to hemodialysis, which requires treatment three times a week, each session lasting three to four hours.

“Living on a box, but it’s keeping me alive,” he said, affectionately referring to the dialysis machine. This switch occurred after he experienced recurrent infections from the previous treatment, which posed a risk to his eligibility for surgery.

Due to the risk of infections, Cameron has been in isolation on his farm, avoiding travel and large crowds. He has faced setbacks, including the postponement of his transplant from Christmas to early January 2024 after developing an infection. The new treatment regimen has also disrupted his sleep patterns, leaving him fatigued during the day.

Cameron acknowledged the support from his party leader, David Seymour, who has allowed him time off as needed. Yet he is determined not to be perceived as a liability. “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 stated.

The impact of kidney disease is deeply personal for Cameron, especially following the recent passing of Te Pāti Māori MP Natasha Kemp, who died at the age of 50 while on the national kidney transplant waiting list. Reflecting on this loss, he remarked on the importance of awareness and support for those facing similar health challenges.

As Cameron gears up for his transplant, his focus remains on recovery and returning to his role in Parliament with renewed energy. His story highlights the critical need for organ donation and the profound impact it can have on individuals and their families.