By JO-MARIE BROWN
Kidney transplant recipient. Died aged 41.
Rotorua's Stephen Campbell spent his entire life defying the odds.
He was just four when doctors realised he had a crucial valve missing from his kidneys - a condition that led to countless operations, hours of dialysis and, eventually, a kidney transplant when
he was 19.
Many kidney recipients were considered lucky if their new organ functioned for more than a decade. Stephen Campbell enjoyed a 21-year lease on life before succumbing to kidney and liver problems in Rotorua Hospital 10 days ago.
He was one of New Zealand's longest-surviving patients to receive a kidney from a stranger rather than a family member, outlived only by two women who had transplants which lasted more than 30 years.
Initially, doctors feared the Rotorua man's transplant would not take. After 10 days, the kidney, donated by a medical student killed in an accident, was still not working. But when plans were made to remove it, the organ sprang into action.
In past years, the truck driver and former Rotorua Boys High School pupil urged New Zealanders to consider becoming organ donors.
He said despite suffering pain he had never let his illness slow him down.
Family friend Jane Lee said Campbell was a terrific man, who always thanked everybody for their kindness and support.
"The last thing he said was 'Thanks very much guys, catch you later', and he just closed his eyes and went to sleep."
