I’m a young mummy named Lesley, married to an amazing man named Lucas with a 2.5 year old toddler named Maxwell or Maxi as we call him who is the light of my life. I have been on life support (dialysis) ever since Maxi was a few months old. In the summer of 2010 I became very sick, no one really knew what was wrong until one day I went to the dr for a blood test and got told to " get in an ambulance immediately as my kidneys were failing” it was of course terrifying but after 6 months of intensive chemotherapy they put my rare condition ‘nephritis’ into remission however I was left with only about 20% kidney function.. The doctors did not think I would ever be able to get pregnant because of the chemo etc. then by a miracle in Sep 2011 I found out I was pregnant (we were NOT trying) I was told that due to only having 20% kidney function my pregnancy was considered very high risk and that my baby may come very early. He did, I developed life threatening severe preeclampsia and this wiped out the remainder of my kidney function. I had an emergency c-section to save mine and my little boy’s life and Maxi was born at 29 weeks and 5 days weighing only 1.1 kilos. It was the happiest and most terrifying day of my life. He spent 6 weeks and 6 days in MONASH NICU before we got to take our little prince home.. To this day I count my blessings every second as he is in perfect health regardless of his prematurity- my miracle baby.

I don’t know I guess I just feel very blessed every day to still be here, blessed that my little boy survived coming into the world so early and blessed that I live in a country where I can receive dialysis and remain alive until a new kidney is found. I don’t take any day for granted.

My husband Lucas 100%! he’s the strongest most incredible man I’ve ever known, to watch his wife on life support and see his son in a similar situation at the same time must have been the most difficult thing in the world - but he managed it and managed to pull us both through- he does all this whilst running two businesses and driving me around too (I lost my drivers license due to seizures from my kidney failure) He’s the best friend anyone could ask for and has the strongest soul I have ever encountered.

That nobody is perfect that there is no such thing. For me scars in particular are beautiful they are battle wounds that tell your own unique story and proof that you are stronger than whatever tried to hurt you. I’ve had 6 operations in 2 years and many, many scars..embrace what you have and just be grateful for having your health it’s a priceless asset and gift. Last but not least don’t compare yourself to others - be your own best version of yourself as everyone else is taken. There is only one YOU!