I knew which day the 50/50 raffle was being held, and when I got a call from the Kidney Foundation, I had an inkling it had something to do with the draw. My first reaction was complete surprise - I have never won anything before in my life. I bought the tickets simply to support the Kidney Foundation.  I am a transplant recipient, and the Foundation is a cause close to my heart.

When they said that I won more than $18,000, it was a huge surprise. I didn’t think the prize was anything near that amount. I was extremely lucky. The win came at a time when I was able to help support my extended family in England. They are going through some difficult times, due to job losses caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. My husband and I also made some home improvements.  

My kidneys started failing about 30 years ago, when I was in my mid-forties. My first kidney transplant lasted 20 years. When my renal function was low, my husband and I signed on for the Living Donor Paired Exchange Registry. My husband donated a kidney in a six-way exchange in order for me to receive a live-donor kidney. Since then, it has been much smoother sailing. 

For me personally, I feel it is important to give back to the Kidney Foundation in some way. The way I gave back for many years was working on the KFOC’s Annual Gala in Toronto. The 50/50 draw is another way to raise funds to help kidney patients. Half the money raised from sales goes to the winner. The other half goes to support Kidney Foundation programs and services. I will purchase tickets again for the next draw, but hope I don’t win! I wish all the participants of the next raffle good luck and stay safe during these times.

Learn more about The Kidney Foundation’s 50/50 Draw