Marj celebrates new life as historic first transplant patient for North Queensland Kidney Transplant Service

History has been made with the North Queensland Kidney Transplant Service (NQKTS) successfully performing its first kidney transplant, transforming the life of Ayr mother-of-two Marj Manak.

Diagnosed with sclerosing cholangitis (a disease of the bile duct that causes serious liver damage) as a baby and told she wouldn’t live past early adulthood, Marj has defied the odds, overcoming a lifetime of health challenges to recently celebrate her 56th birthday.

After two liver transplants in Brisbane decades ago, long-term medication use damaged Ms Manak’s kidneys, leading to renal dialysis in 2022 and, eventually, her placement on the kidney transplant list in March this year.

Ms Manak said she was delighted to make history as the first patient of the North Queensland Kidney Transplant Service.

“Having the surgery in Townsville made a huge difference compared to my previous transplants in Brisbane,” Ms Manak said.

“This time, my kids and family could visit, my husband John was by my side throughout, and the staff were fantastic.

“With my liver transplants I had to relocate to Brisbane for an extended period, away from my young children and family supports.

“But being close to home this time made everything easier, emotionally, financially, and practically.”

Ms Manak also had a special message for donor families and those considering registering for organ donation.

“It’s life-changing; I had my first transplant at 23, and I just turned 56, which would have never happened if not for organ donation. That’s 33 extra years of life thanks to people who chose organ donation and told their families about their wishes.

“I’d like to thank my donor’s family from the bottom of my heart; it’s a gift I’ll be forever grateful for.”

Ms Manak is now looking forward to decorating her home, taking a holiday and spending more time with family.

She said her transplant success would not have been possible without her husband John.

“I’d be lost without John; he’s been by my side through this whole journey, and he keeps me balanced.”

Transplant surgeons Dr Nikhil Mahajan and Dr Aasim Khan described Ms Manak’s case as both “challenging and inspiring.”

“With her complex medical history and previous transplants, she was a technically complex case, but her strength and family support made her a great candidate for transplant,” Dr Mahajan said.

“After months of preparation, the surgery went very well, and we’re delighted that this will help Ms Manak return to a normal life.

“Transplantation means patients no longer need to rely on dialysis and gives them back more independence.”

NQKTS director Dr Michelle Harfield said the service’s first transplant was the result of years of hard work and collaboration.

“This is a momentous achievement for our team and for North Queensland,” she said.

“Transplantation is a team effort that includes doctors, nurses, allied health clinicians, psychologists, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers, all working together,” she said.

“Ultimately, though, this is about Ms Manak; our wonderful patient who has waited a long time for this moment, and to now see her glowing with health is incredible.”

Townsville Hospital and Health Service chief executive Kieran Keyes said the historic milestone was the first of many. 

“We expect to perform around 30 transplants in the first year, and the service will only grow from there.”

Townsville Hospital and Health Board Chair Tony Mooney said the achievement was a significant milestone for the region.

“This is fantastic news, not just for Ms Manak, but for all North Queenslanders; I’m proud of our teams,” he said.

“It cements Townsville University Hospital’s role as the premier tertiary and teaching facility in northern Australia, giving patients across the north access to highly specialised care without having to travel to Brisbane.”