My connection to kidney disease and organ transplantation predates my existence. When my father was 23 he was diagnosed with acute glomerulonephritis. By the time it was discovered he had very little kidney function and had to be put on dialysis immediately, with a subclavian catheter at first before receiving a fistula. He was put on the transplant list and about six months from diagnosis he got the call for a new kidney. The kidney transplant gave him a second chance and allowed him to continue to prosper in life, which included getting married and starting a family.

About four years after I was born his kidney transplant went into rejection. Within a few weeks a new kidney was already available, however when it was transplanted the surgeons discovered that the organ was damaged, and they did not expect it to function. My father was given the OKT3 antibody and the kidney managed to function for about three years before it also failed. He was placed back on haemodialysis, and then switched to peritoneal dialysis, for a few years before he received another kidney transplant. He just recently celebrated 20 years of success and renal health.

Through my entire life I have been exposed to the ups and downs of kidney disease.  As a family we have triumphed over these obstacles and found ways to take vacations and make other special arrangements. Through all of this we developed a vested interest in kidney health and organ donation and have been involved with organizations such as The Kidney Foundation and the Canadian Transplant Association.

My own existence is due to the success of organ donation.  After years of attending both Canadian and World Transplant Games, my mother bid to host the 2008 Canadian Transplant Games in our hometown. Our bid was successful and her vision, coupled with my event planning skills and an exceptional team of volunteers, all came together to put on an incredible event that raised awareness for organ donation and demonstrated the success and celebration of life for those who receive a transplant.

A few weeks after the Games I became a graduate student at McGill University, in the field of exercise and health psychology, where I designed a research program  focused on health and holistic wellness related to physical activity in transplant recipients. It seems that my connection to the transplant world will continue to be present in various ways.