Good Morning Britain host Kate Garraway offered comfort to a grieving guest on Thursday’s show. The guest, Genieva Owens, recently lost her mother to kidney failure.
Kate and co-host Richard Madeley spoke with Genieva during the ITV program. The interview focused on an important health issue. There is a new call for Black communities to get tested for a specific gene.
This gene is called APOL1. It can cause kidney disease. Reports say 1 in 10 people of Caribbean or African descent carry it. Having the gene greatly increases the risk of kidney failure.
Genieva’s mother died earlier this year. Kate spoke to her just two months after the loss. “Oh, I’m so sorry about your mum. It’s so soon after that you must feel incredibly raw,” Kate said.
Genieva explained her family’s story. She was diagnosed with kidney failure at age eleven. Her mother was shocked. They had noticed some signs when Genieva was nine or ten.
The family only learned about the APOL1 gene two years ago. Genieva found out through a research study at King’s College Hospital. Doctors were researching why she had kidney failure. They tested her and found the gene. They then tested her mother, who also had it.
“If I don’t have it, I wouldn’t be here today,” Genieva said. She is now waiting for a kidney transplant. Her mother’s death might have been prevented with earlier knowledge. “I wish I knew and I wish my mum knew, that would have saved her life,” she added.
Kate expressed her sympathy. “I’m so sorry… It’s so unlucky isn’t it,” she said.
Genieva now wants to raise awareness. She hopes others can avoid her family’s pain. Testing could save lives. Kate thanked her for sharing her story on national television.
