Kidney Foundation

Embark on a journey of kindness and connection. Hear firsthand accounts from our panelists, who have been living kidney donors. They will share the highs, lows, and everything in between about their remarkable decision to donate a kidney. Gain perspective, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of the profound impact of organ donation. Join us for an enlightening fireside chat that celebrates the power of generosity and the human spirit!

Presenters

Bob McRae

In 2010 Bob McRae donated his kidney as an anonymous donor. He retired in 2014 after 35 years in the federal government and for the past 10 years he has been a school bus driver.

Since his donation he has been an advocate for living and deceased organ transplantation, as a speaker, in person and virtually and at events. He also sits on living kidney donation committees in hospitals. Donating a kidney is one of the most fulfilling things that Bob has done in his life. He believes that entering his twilight years, he only has so much time left, but by sharing his experience and being an advocate for organ donation he hopes to encourage others to think about organ donation and register as a deceased organ donor or if possible, to donate as a living donor.

Brent Kruger

Brent Kruger is an addiction counselor for Teen Challenge Canada Inc. In February 2023, he donated a kidney to a stranger after seeing the story on the news. He grew up in a small farming town in Saskatchewan. He is married and has a husky named Smiley, and he loves traveling and food.

Diana Dunlop

Diana was born in South West England and immigrated to Vancouver Canada in 1975 at the age of 30, where her sister and family lived.

She spent the first 10 years there, before moving to Regina and then Alberta.

Diana had no contact with kidney disease but had thought about the possibility of donating a kidney while in Alberta. In 2013 she moved back to BC. About 5 years ago, Diana heard an interview on the radio about a person needing a kidney and she decided to make inquiries.

She was accepted into the program as an anonymous or altruistic donor and donated a kidney about a year ago.

Marie-Eve Cronin

Marie-Eve Cronin is a healthcare professional who has worked in hospitals for over 15 years. A new manager, she now holds the position of General Manager of 2 residences for the elderly in my region of the Eastern Townships. As a mother of 5 and a caregiver, she has long been driven by the desire to help others. In 2018, she donated a kidney to a stranger she met through social networks. Every year since, Marie-Eve has been involved in different ways to talk about organ donation, opening up dialogue and breaking down barriers. She's proud to be taking part in the Living Kidney Donor Program to share my experience. She's in perfect health and very happy to be with us today!

Terry Mah

Terry is a management consultant by day, husband, father, 'pappa' to 4 precious grandchildren and pet searcher at night! He and his wife and 4 other members, formed a search organization dedicated to reuniting owners with their missing animals called ROAM - Reuniting Owners with Animals Missing. Terry has always considered giving to others as a privilege whether it's donating blood, helping to find lost animals or donating a kidney.