LESLEY Tozer has the unfortunate tag of being one in a million diagnosed with a rare kidney disease.

Robbed of all but 1 per cent kidney function, she depends on a machine to keep her alive while she awaits a transplant.

Although her medical condition, Goodpasture Syndrome, is extremely rare, her plight is not.

The Victorian mother joins 1154 other Australians waiting for a new kidney.

Like so many people diagnosed with kidney disease, the 33-year-old had no idea — until it had progressed.

“I was a non-drinker, nonsmoker, a vegan and very fit,” she said. “Over a few weeks I felt a bit off, but I certainly didn’t realise I was dying.”

She got a call from her doctor the morning after a blood test was taken, to say she should get to The Alfred hospital immediately, where a team was waiting to treat her.

“My kidneys had failed and it took two weeks to diagnose my condition because it only affects one in every million people,” Mrs Tozer said.

Despite undergoing six months of intensive chemotherapy and being told it would render her infertile, she gave birth to a healthy, yet premature boy, Maxwell, at Monash Medical Centre.

Her kidneys have now shut down almost completely and dialysis filters the toxins from her body. She was listed for a transplant one year ago, but knows she might face a long wait because her pregnancy means she has antibodies that make it harder to find a match.

“I just hope I can get a kidney transplant so I can see him grow up and that there is more research into kidney disease to help others,” Mrs Tozer said.

Kidney Health national medical director Dr Tim Mathew said research was needed to prevent and treat kidney disease, which claims one Australian life every 25 minutes.

He said the organisation received more research applications than it could afford to fund.

The Big Red Kidney Walk on Sunday at the Royal Botanic Gardens aims to raise $150,000 for the cause.

lucie.vandenberg@news.com.au

To get involved, go tobigredkidneywalk2014.gofundraise.com.auor donatelife.gov.au