ACT MP Mark Cameron Set for Life-Saving Kidney Transplant

ACT MP Mark Cameron is on the brink of a significant health milestone, as he prepares for a life-saving kidney transplant scheduled for early next year. After a decade-long struggle with kidney disease, Cameron expressed his determination to embrace this new chapter. “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,” he stated.

Cameron’s partner, Jodie Booth, has played a crucial role in this journey. Although she will not be the direct donor, her willingness to help demonstrates the strength of their bond. The transplant will be facilitated through the Australia and New Zealand Paired Kidney Exchange Program, which allows for compatible donors and recipients to exchange kidneys within a network.

As he spoke from his farm in Northland, where he has been staying for the past month, Cameron shared his hopes of returning to Parliament when it reconvenes in the new year, with a new kidney. “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 received the call confirming a perfect donor match was emotionally overwhelming. “I burst into tears when I heard the news,” Cameron recounted. “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 listed for a transplant.

Booth, who had previously considered donating a liver to a friend who passed away before the procedure, feels compelled to make a positive impact. “That was her mindset,” Cameron noted about Booth’s willingness to donate a kidney.

Cameron’s journey began ten years ago with his diagnosis, which revealed that he had only about half of his kidney function remaining. Initially resistant to acknowledging his condition, he carried on with life, insisting he was too busy to focus on his health. It was only in May of this year that he started dialysis, when his kidney function dwindled to approximately 3%.

Before the transplant, Cameron transitioned from peritoneal dialysis, an overnight procedure, to hemodialysis, which requires treatment three times a week for three to four hours each session. “I affectionately say I’m living on a box, but it’s keeping me alive,” he explained. This change followed recurrent infections from his previous treatment, which needed to be resolved before surgery.

Due to the risk of infection during this critical period, Cameron is isolating at his Northland farm, avoiding travel and large crowds. Unfortunately, he had to postpone his transplant from Christmas to early next year after developing an infection.

The hormonal changes from his treatment have also affected his sleep patterns, leading to sleepless nights and fatigue during the day. Cameron acknowledged the challenges, stating, “It really does beat you up.” Despite his struggles, he remains committed to his role in Parliament, with David Seymour, the party leader, providing him with the necessary flexibility during this difficult time. Cameron expressed his resolve not to be the “weakest link” in his party.

His thoughts also extend to the late Te Pāti Māori MP Natasha Kemp, who succumbed to the same disease at the age of 50 while on the national kidney transplant waiting list. Cameron’s experience underscores the importance of support and resilience as he embarks on this new chapter in his life, hopeful for a healthier future.