Brother Donates Kidney, Gives Sibling Second Chance at Life

Sajarn Stow heard his younger brother Codey needed a kidney transplant and made the decision instantly: "Sure, if you need my kidney, take it."

The brothers, who share Juru, Bindal and Kaantju cultural heritage, already had a close bond despite their 10-year age gap. Growing up in north Queensland, Sajarn served as both big brother and father figure to Codey after their mother raised them mostly on her own.

When Codey was diagnosed with IgA nephropathy in 2018, a degenerative kidney disease with no known cause, his kidney function steadily declined. By 2024, doctors warned the 32-year-old land and sea ranger that dialysis was coming soon.

Sajarn, 42, a producer and presenter for ABC Darwin, volunteered immediately when transplant became an option. So did their younger sister Shaquille. But Sajarn pushed hardest, completing all the necessary tests and advocating with doctors to move forward before Codey needed dialysis.

The timing proved fortunate. Sajarn's partner Leigh works for DonateLife, an organ donation agency in Australia's Northern Territory. At a work dinner, Sajarn learned that kidney transplants before dialysis often have better outcomes. The conversation happened the same week Codey received his dialysis timeline.

The surgery changed everything for Codey. He went from limited energy and declining health to feeling motivated and free. "He's given me a second chance at life," Codey says of his brother. "The things I couldn't do before, I can do now."

Why This Inspires

Sajarn describes the decision as simple, not heroic. His brother did nothing wrong and got sick anyway, so helping felt obvious. "It's not something where I want to be like, 'Don't forget I gave you a kidney,'" Sajarn explains. "We don't have to talk about it."

The experience has brought unexpected gifts beyond Codey's restored health. Sajarn now thinks more seriously about his own wellness. The brothers, already close, have grown even tighter through the journey. Their bond evolved from older brother protecting younger sibling to true friendship between equals.

Codey sums up his gratitude simply: "I'll prove that he made the right decision. I won't waste it."