Hamilton neighbours share more than a fence - one now has the other’s kidney

Saunders soon came to learn of Hickey’s polycystic kidney disease, a genetic disorder that causes fluid-filled cysts to grow in the kidneys.

It’s a disease Hickey’s father and one of his brothers tragically died from.

“I was perpetually tired, walking up a hill took the breath out of me.

“My kidneys just kept getting bigger ... they were two and a half kilos, the normal size is the size of a fist.”

Saunders soon learned how dire Hickey’s situation had become and that his last hope was a new kidney.

“Mel and Graeme are such awesome people and I wanted to do something to help someone.

“I’d like to think people would do the same.”

Hickey told the Herald that while a donation from a family member was initially an option, they were ruled out over existing health concerns, including his sister and surviving brother who both have the disease.

Hickey said Saunders came over to the house one night and quietly told him he wanted to donate a kidney.

“It was quite emotional. We thought ‘oh my God someone is actually going to do this’.”

Hickey gave Saunders information on the process and the next day he agreed and rang the specialist.

Saunders’ six-month testing process began in September last year.

“Once I made my mind up to get the testing done I thought ‘yep now we carry on’,” he said.

He said he never had any reservations.

“My wife was more anxious than me but we both think Mel and Graeme are such great people.”

Hickey said he took the testing process day by day and tried not to get his hopes up in case anything went wrong.

The pair underwent several physical and psychological tests, together and separately.

“They [the doctors] also just wanted to check there was no cash payment involved,” Hickey laughed.

In February, doctors delivered the great news. Saunders was a match.

“It’s not the perfect match like a family member would be but still a match,” Saunders said.

The operation date was set for early July at Auckland City Hospital.

Then the tough part kicked in for Hickey, who eight weeks before surgery, had both kidneys removed and went on dialysis in preparation for the transplant.

He had the surgery in Auckland before returning home to Waikato.

For the next two months, every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday he would need to go to the Waikato renal clinic and spend a few hours on dialysis.

“I definitely needed the full eight weeks to recover. It was really tough,” he said.

July 3 marked the day Hickey said would “always be a special day”.

The kidney transfer had been successfully completed.

“We’re kidney brothers now, we’re family,” Hickey and Saunders said.

Now, five weeks post-transplant, both men have recovered “really well”, despite a bump in the road for Hickey.

A test rshowed his creatine levels were too high.

“I had a build-up of lymphatic fluid, which they drained. It’s not common but it’s not uncommon.”

Saunders’ post-recovery was expected to take 6-10 weeks, while Hickey continues taking things day by day.

While life for Saunders remains largely unchanged, Hickey will be on medication for life.

“For the first four weeks it was blood tests every day, Monday to Sunday,” Hickey said.

“I’m on about 24 tablets a day to continue monitoring, some of these will be for life.”

Saunders and Hickey have described the journey as having brought them closer and said the transplant, renal team and doctors were “excellent” in providing them lots of information.

“The support from the Auckland City renal team was out the gate,” Hickey said.

Now, the Hickeys and Saunders plan to go on a trip together, once Graeme has the all-clear to fly in 12 months.

“I think July 3 will always be a special day, so we’ll celebrate that every year.”