The gift of organ donation lasts forever

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 24/08/2020 (2237 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Needing an organ transplant is one of the hardest things to deal with. It affects your entire life.

I was diagnosed with kidney disease when I was just 14 years old and something was discovered during a routine examination. That’s when my life changed forever.

My kidneys were working at less than half of their capability. They would continue to decline for years until dialysis was my only chance for survival. That or a kidney transplant.

I chose to do dialysis for longer than anyone would want to do it. And I did every form of dialysis possible.

Once I decided I was ready for a kidney transplant, I was on the waiting list for a kidney for six long years.

After 19 years of dialysis treatments, I received a kidney transplant in 2016. Something I thought would never happen.

My life changed again that day — for the better. I looked at everything differently and I couldn’t believe that I finally received my miracle. Yes, it truly was my miracle.

I was no longer limited. I was no longer tied to a machine to stay alive. I had freedom that had been taken away from me for 19 years.

Every day I am thankful for the stranger who saved my life.

I received my kidney from a deceased donor who knew what they wanted to happen with their organs once they could no longer use them. They wanted to help others live.

My kidney is one of the greatest things that has ever happened to me. I feel so lucky. Many people don’t get the chance to receive the organ they need.

Wouldn’t you like to change someone’s life? To give someone their miracle?

Well, you can do just that. Please go to signupforlife.ca and register online to become an organ and tissue donor. All you need is your Manitoba Health card and it takes only a few minutes.

So many people are afraid to talk about organ donation. It can be an uncomfortable subject.

But just remember once you can no longer use your organs, wouldn’t it be nice to help someone else continue living?

Jennifer Laferriere is a community correspondent for Garden City.