Australian cricket allrounder Cameron Green bravely shared his journey living with an “irreversible” chronic kidney disease to 7Cricket, a condition he was diagnosed with at birth.
Cameron Green has revealed his lifelong battle with “irreversible” chronic kidney disease, diagnosed since birth, defying early predictions of a limited life expectancy. Despite this, the 24-year-old has excelled, becoming a vital asset in Australia’s cricket team.
Speaking publicly for the first time, Green clarified that his kidneys function at a diminished capacity, filtering blood less efficiently than healthy kidneys. Currently at stage two of the disease’s progression, where kidney functionality stands at 60%, Green elaborated on the condition’s five stages, emphasizing the importance of proper care to prevent regression to more severe stages, ultimately necessitating transplant or dialysis.
“Chronic kidney disease is basically a progressive disease of your kidney’s health function. Unfortunately, mine doesn’t filter the blood as well as other kidneys,” he said when speaking to Channel 7.
Cameron Green has chronic kidney disease.
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 14, 2023
There are five stages to it, with the fifth stage requiring a transplant or dialysis.
This is how Green – currently at stage two – manages the condition every day… pic.twitter.com/ikbIntapdy
“With chronic kidney disease, there’s five stages, with stage one being the least severe, and stage five being transplant or dialysis. Fortunately, I’m stage two, but if you don’t look after them enough, it easily goes back down. Kidneys can’t get better. It’s irreversible. So anyway you can find to slow the progression, you basically try and do,” he explained.
Despite Green considering himself fortunate for not experiencing significant physical effects of his kidney disease, the initial discovery during his mother’s 19-week scan caused concern. The reports deeply worried Green’s parents, Bee Tracey and Gary, as the prognosis initially suggested distressing life-expectancy concerns, with indications he might not live beyond the age of 12.
Throughout his cricket journey, Green has generally managed his kidney disease well, although he experienced occasional cramping during matches, notably during an ODI in September 2022 against New Zealand. Reflecting on the incident, he realized that his kidney function likely contributed to the cramps, despite previously attributing them to insufficient hydration or nutrition.
While keeping his condition private, Green confided in select members of the cricket community, including his Australian teammates and coaching staff. Now choosing to share his story publicly, he aims to provide support and inspiration to others grappling with similar conditions, hoping his experience offers guidance to sufferers and their families.
Last Updated on December 14, 2023
Senior Sports Copywriter
