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"Walking together in kindness" artwork produced for Gold Coast Health by Riki Salam, We are 27 Creative.
For most people, hospitals are places they visit. For Dan Hoepner, they’ve been part of his story for as long as he can remember.
Diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome at just eight weeks old, Dan has spent most of his childhood in and out of hospital before receiving his first kidney transplant at the age of six.
Nephrotic syndrome is a kidney condition characterised by the excessive loss of protein in the urine. This substantial protein loss results in low levels of protein in the blood, elevated cholesterol, and pronounced swelling (oedema), especially in the face, feet, and ankles.
More than two decades later, after two transplants and years of treatment, he is once again waiting for a life changing call, while continuing to care for others in his role as a Clinical Nurse Consultant in Gold Coast University Hospital’s (GCUH) Clinical Response Unit.
On any given shift, Dan can be found responding to medical emergencies, supporting patients whose conditions are deteriorating and helping clinical teams navigate some of the most challenging moments in healthcare.
It’s a role he dreamed of doing for years.
“I’ve always wanted to work in nursing,” Dan said.
Despite the challenges that come with living with a lifelong kidney condition, Dan’s outlook remains positive.
“I think my parents played a huge role in stating positive. They always encouraged me to keep doing the things I wanted to do and not let it stop me,” he said.
For Dan, being both a healthcare worker and patient has shaped the way he cares for others. It has given him a unique understanding of the vulnerability patients experience and the uncertainty families often carry when someone they love is unwell.
“When you’ve been a patient yourself, you understand what it feels like to put your trust in someone else and how important it feels to be heard,” he said.
Dan’s colleagues describe him as a calm, positive and compassionate presence, someone who shows up for patients and his team. He credits his supportive team for helping him do the work he loves.
“We all have each other’s backs,” he said.
“You need that support when you are helping patients through some of the toughest moments in their lives.”
As DonateLife Week approaches, Dan hopes sharing his story encourages others to have conversations about organ donation and the impact it can have.
“Organ donation can change the trajectory of someone’s life in this situation,” he said.
For Dan, it already has – twice.
Find out more about DonateLife and how you can register to become an organ or tissue donor to help save a life.
