At 62, Edward Campher has spent nearly half his life on dialysis, not just surviving, but embracing every moment with purpose, proving that end-stage kidney failure doesn’t mean life stops.
Johannesburg, South Africa (26 March 2025) – Edward Campher isn’t just surviving, he’s thriving. What began as a life-altering diagnosis at just 38 years old has transformed into a 25-year journey filled with resilience, community, and hope.
Now 62, Edward is a living example of what’s possible when strength, support, and the right medical care come together.
At the age of 36, Edward suffered a stroke that paralysed his left arm and leg. Just two years later, his life shifted again with a diagnosis of end-stage kidney failure.
“The first time a doctor tells you that you are in end-stage renal failure, it is a lot to process, and it feels like you are coming to terms with the end of your life,” Edward reflects.
“Before this, I was an active primary school teacher in Gauteng, coaching rugby, cricket, athletics and table tennis and my health wouldn’t allow that life anymore. At first, I just couldn’t accept it.”
But that was just the beginning of a new chapter.
Thanks to life-saving dialysis, Edward has now spent a quarter of a century living with kidney failure – and living well. He still cheers on his favourite teams at sports matches with his son, finds peace in his garden, and shares joy and laughter with friends and his wife of 37 years.
His story arrived just after World Kidney Day and carries an important message: end-stage kidney disease is not the end but the cause is often a silent threat and needs to be treated.
As Tilly Govender, clinical executive of National Renal Care (NRC), explains, “Very often, kidney disease is silent with no noticeable symptoms until kidney failure is advanced, and it can strike at any age.”
The leading cause in South Africa is hypertension, affecting 38% of patients, but kidney failure can also result from diabetes, trauma, infections, or even something as routine as long-term use of pain relievers. Strikingly, for up to 30% of patients, there are no obvious risk factors at all.
That’s why awareness and early detection matter so much.
“With early detection, it’s possible to significantly slow deteriorating kidney function and delay the need for dialysis. Patient engagement and empowerment are truly crucial aspects of managing kidney disease effectively,” Govender says.
Edward’s own journey has been shaped not just by medical care, but by community.
“My wife of 37 years, my family, friends and fellow dialysis ‘colleagues’ stood by my side… their support gave me the inspiration to accept my new life with end-stage kidney failure.”
One of those early supporters was a fellow patient, affectionately known as Tannie Lappies.
“She shared her wisdom and experience of years of dialysis that helped me come to terms with my condition. She passed away just three weeks later, but I will always remember her words: ‘Trust in God, and you will live forever’. That made me determined to make the best of my new life – and here I am, 25 years later.”
Over the years, Edward has continued dialysis three times a week, first at NRC Garden City in Johannesburg and now at NRC George in the Western Cape.
Through it all, he has found purpose and presence in his faith, his family, and his community.
“I am living a normal life, and I am the same person I was before. I told my friends, ‘You don’t have to treat me any differently’. I am still active in my church and my community of dialysis colleagues, and we support each other.”
And that’s exactly why his story matters… because it proves what is possible. With the right treatment, a strong support system, and a mindset anchored in hope, life with end-stage kidney disease can still be full of love, laughter and legacy.
Edward Campher isn’t just sharing his journey. He’s rewriting the narrative. One hopeful day at a time.
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