Natalie's story
January 2026 Update: We are very happy to say that Natalie received a kidney transplant this month. So far, her body seems to be accepting the kidney. Within days it already meant a huge improvement to her health.
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The kidney was received from a deceased donor. Natalie is extremely grateful to this person's family who agreed to the organ donation while the donor was on life support. Thank you to this person and their family for having conversations that meant that Natalie could have a longer, healthier life.
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Thank you also to anyone who considered donating a kidney to Natalie or supported her during the last few uncertain years.
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Natalie Busby is a 35-year-old mum of five kids living in Port Elliot, South Australia. She is the recipient of a donated kidney.
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​Before her illness, Natalie ran an organic vegetable delivery company on the Fleurieu Peninsula. She is a dedicated incredible mum to her 5 young kids and a special friend to many. She can be found in our local cafes and watching YouTube videos of furniture restorations thinking “Yeah, I could probably do that.”
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Kidney transplants are life-changing gifts.​ You can learn more about donating a kidney below.
More info
What’s involved with donating a kidney while alive?
Donating a kidney involves numerous medical and psychological tests to ensure you're fit to donate. The surgery requires 4-10 days recovery in hospital, and several weeks' recovery at home. For more information about what's involved with kidney donation, read this fact sheet from Kidney Health Australia. More information can also be found at Kidney Health Australia's website.
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Kidney donors have the same life expectancy as people with two kidneys. Living kidney donors are very healthy and carefully chosen to minimise the risk to their health. Living donors are unlikely to develop kidney problems in the future. The removal of one kidney triggers the other kidney to increase in size and function.
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Being a living kidney donor means having major surgery. This always carries a risk of serious complications including death.​
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Will ticking donor on my driver's license mean my organs will be donated if I die?
Not necessarily. In many jurisdictions, family consent is still required for deceased organ donation. Have a conversation with your family. Let them know your wishes to donate your organs in the event of your death. ​
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How can I keep up with Natalie's story?
Follow Natalie's Instagram @yougottabekidneyingme.
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