Before Ian was 2 years old, he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, which meant daily insulin injections for the rest of his life – Not very encouraging for a guy who hated needles. Over the years, we learned that long-term diabetes can affect the large blood vessels of the heart, brain and legs, while damage to the small blood vessels can cause problems with eyes, feet, nerves … and kidneys.

In Ian’s early twenties, he had eye surgery for damaged blood vessels and in his late twenties was diagnosed with early stage kidney failure leading him to start peritoneal dialysis, and Ian’s mother to start the testing process to become a donor. In September 2001 a successful transplant from his mother to Ian was performed in Halifax.

Ian had enjoyed working around his home, hunting with his grandfather and ATVing with friends. Following the transplant, the new kidney provided fairly good health to allow him to spend time with family and friends doing some of the activities he enjoyed.

After about five years, the new kidney started to fail and hemodialysis soon followed. Another transplant was considered but after discussion with a heart specialist about potential complications, Ian decided to remain on dialysis. In the summer of 2015, after a discussion with doctors & family, Ian made the tough decision to end the dialysis which had kept him alive for the previous 9 years. A couple of days after his final dialysis Ian entered the hospital and passed away a week later. 

Ian’s parents are passionate advocates about organ donation having now both donated kidneys (Ian’s father donated to a stranger through the Kidney Paired Donation program). Nearly 76% of all Canadians waiting for an organ transplant are waiting for a kidney.