Living with Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) And How You Might be Able to Help

When Sharing a Story Can Change a Life…

A conversation about hope and the possibility of kidney donation, with Ms Lian Cohen

This week we're talking with Ms Lian Cohen, who many of you might know as our Middle School Mathematics teacher. She has been a valued member of staff at WIS for over 16 years. Ms Lian is living with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and is currently seeking a living kidney donor. Her story is a reminder of the power of compassion and connection, and by sharing her story here we hope to raise awareness of the need for such donors, both worldwide and in Namibia.

Here is our interview:

Ms Lian, tell us a little about yourself:

My name is Lian Cohen and I’m 55 years old. I’m originally from the UK, but have lived in Namibia for almost 18 years now. I am a sociable, resilient, kind person with a positive outlook on life. I have always been someone who says yes to challenging myself in life whether it’s in my work as a Secondary School Mathematics Teacher, for which I am passionate about, or in my personal life taking on a team manager role as a hockey mum for my 14 year old son, Alex, and trying to be the best wife I can be to my dear husband, Paul. I have enjoyed hobbies such as Zumba dancing and trekking, even having trekked several times in the Himalayas! 

So, why did you want us to chat with you now?

I have hereditary Polycystic Kidney Disease and it has progressed slowly for over 20 years. Eventually my kidneys have failed to the point where dialysis or a kidney transplant are the only things that can keep me alive. A kidney transplant is the best long term solution. Six months ago I started dialysis. This treatment keeps me alive, but also brings challenges every day. Dialysis is a life-sustaining treatment, but it is not intended as a long-term solution.

What are the impacts of your dialysis treatment?

Currently, I attend the dialysis centre here in Windhoek three times a week for four hours every time. This means I can’t venture far from a dialysis centre if I want to take a break away anywhere. I have always ensured I keep ties with my loving family in the UK, but the UK doesn’t have any spaces for holiday dialysis patients. Hence my goal, for a healthier and longer life, is to receive a kidney transplant and be able to visit my family in my hometown of Liverpool again.

So, what are your options now?

I am very lucky to have a wonderful, efficient and caring team at the dialysis centre here in Windhoek. However, it is still not a great long term prospect. Hence, I’m now taking the most important step of all: searching for a living kidney donor. Here in Namibia, the only option for a kidney transplant is a live donor. Since most of us are born with two kidneys, but we only need one to survive, perhaps someone might be open to donating their spare one to me? 

What should someone do if they wish to learn more or help?

I am blood type A, which means anyone who is type A or type O could potentially be a match for me. 

If this is something you are interested in reading more about, please click here for further information and questions answered.

Ms Lian, is there anything you’d like to say to the WIS community in closing?

Yes—thank you. I know this is a big thing to ask, and I also know that not everyone will be in a position to help in this way. But by sharing my story, my hope is simply to open a door to possibility: for someone to consider living kidney donation, to ask questions, or even just to pass this message on to others. If even one person takes the time to learn more, it could change everything. I am deeply grateful to be part of a community like WIS. When I think of the WIS community, I think of three words: compassion, courage, and connection. And I want everyone to know: even a conversation, even a small act of support, can make a real difference.