Alison Clayton knew little about kidney disease until her daughter was afflicted with the chronic condition.
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The Launceston mother has been travelling back and forth every six weeks to Melbourne, as there are no kidney specialists for children in Tasmania.
“My daughter was diagnosed when she was seven. And there was no history of kidney disease in our family, it was just a genetic form that she has got,” she said.
She said her 15-year-old daughter Nicole is currently on a transplant waiting list.
“I thought it was more an older persons disease which is a lot of the stereotype people have.”
I thought it was more an older person's disease which is a lot of the stereotype people have.
- Alison Clayton
Ms Clayton was at the Launceston Harvest Market on Saturday, raising awareness with Kidney Health Australia as part of Kidney Health Week.
Kidney Health Australia state health services coordinator said 1 in 3 Australians were at risk of developing chronic kidney disease.
“It’s really important that people talk to their doctors and specialists about having a kidney check.
“And also being aware whether they’re in the risk groups – people with diabetes, high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.”
She said it’s estimated that over 40,000 Tasmanians have some indicator of kidney disease.