A Brother's Gift: Kidney Transplant Saves Life in Brisbane

In November 2024, Sajarn Stow, 42, donated a kidney to his younger brother, Codey Stow, 32, at Brisbane's Princess Alexandra Hospital. The living donor transplant was performed after Codey Stow's kidney function declined due to a diagnosis of IgA nephropathy.

The Transplant Procedure

The surgery took place in November 2024 at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane. Sajarn Stow was identified as a compatible donor through comprehensive medical testing.

Medical Background of the Recipient

Codey Stow was diagnosed with IgA nephropathy, a degenerative kidney disease, in 2018 or 2019. At the time of diagnosis, his kidney function was approximately 40%. By early 2024, his function had decreased further, leading doctors to recommend he consider beginning dialysis.

Multiple sources report that medical professionals initially informed the family that transplant evaluations typically occur after a patient has started dialysis.

The family, however, pursued testing for a living donor transplant before Codey required dialysis. Sajarn Stow stated that conversations with his partner, who works for the organ donation agency DonateLife in the Northern Territory, informed him about the importance and benefits of pre-dialysis transplants.

Family Background and Donor Selection

Sajarn and Codey Stow are brothers with a ten-year age difference. They share Juru, Bindal, and Kaantju cultural heritage and were raised in north Queensland. Sajarn left Townsville for Melbourne when he was about 21 and Codey was about 11.

• Sajarn Stow works as a producer and presenter for ABC Darwin.
• Codey Stow works as a land and sea ranger on Bailai, Gurang, Gooreng Gooreng, and Taribelang Bunda country in Central Queensland.

Both Sajarn Stow and their younger sister, Shaquille, volunteered to be tested as potential donors. Sajarn Stow proceeded through the compatibility testing and became the donor.

Statements from the Brothers

Codey Stow stated that the transplant has given him "a second chance at life," significantly improving his quality of life and energy levels.

"I'll prove that he made the right decision. I won't waste it."

He described his brother as a "close friend" and a "father figure," noting that Sajarn took on responsibilities in their household during their childhood.

Sajarn Stow said his decision to donate was straightforward: "Sure, if you need my kidney, take it." After the surgery, he noticed a positive change in his brother's demeanor during a phone call, describing Codey as sounding "happy" with an energy he had not heard "for a very long time."

Sajarn Stow also stated the experience has made him more conscious of his own health. He described his brother as "possibly the nicest person that I know" and noted they have never had an argument. He added that he does not want the donation to be a recurring topic of conversation.