I remember lying in the hospital bed when the doctors told me to “get my affairs in order.” My organs were failing, and my life could only be saved with a liver and kidney transplant. Yet, they didn’t think I would survive long enough to get one.
But I had so much left to do. I wanted to watch my daughters—Maddie and Corina—graduate university, begin their careers, get married and start families of their own. I had just started making a list of places I wanted to travel to with my husband after we both retired. Unfortunately, I was always sick. I rarely left my house, let alone my bed, except for dialysis—five times a week—or medical appointments.
When I was beginning to lose all hope, having just finalized my funeral arrangements, I received a call from Transplant Coordinator Amy Chambers at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC). She had just received my referral and told me she would “get me in fast.”
The next weeks were a blur of tests and procedures, followed by more tests and procedures. Each time, I made the nearly two-hour drive to University Hospital, where I was always met with care and compassion. Every visit reminded me I was in the best hands, but I also knew time was of the essence.
Then came the day I got THE CALL. A liver and kidney match had been found. My family and I were overcome with emotions. Hope I would receive the transplant I so desperately needed, fear of not surviving the surgery and grief for a family who just lost a loved one.
I am so grateful to the organ donor and their family. Their selflessness gave me, and likely others, a second chance at life. I’m also deeply thankful for the incredible medical team, from surgeons to administrative staff, who played such important roles in my journey. There were moments of kindness that will stay with me forever—like the nurse who allowed my family to stay past visiting hours when I needed them most.
But without Amy Chambers, there would be no story to tell. Her support, care and compassion were extraordinary. I’ll never forget seeing her skipping down the hall to my room after my surgery.
When I was discharged, Amy gave me one piece of advice: “Go live your life.” And I’ve done just that.
In the year since my transplant, I’ve travelled to Boston, Nashville, New York City and Disney World—with a pin that said, “1st visit kidney and liver.” I’ve embraced new experiences like zip-lining, rock climbing and the CN Tower Edgewalk. I’ve watched my daughters graduate university and accomplish amazing things. Maddie even started a docuseries called “Hope Transplanted,” sharing stories of people who received life-saving organ transplants.
To honour the unknown hero who saved my life, I’ve become a passionate advocate for organ and tissue donation. I was a speaker during BeADonor Week, where I had the privilege of lighting up the CN Tower and Niagara Falls in green. I’m now a Transplant Ambassador, a member of the Kidney Patient and Donor Alliance, a volunteer for the Kidney Foundation and a Kidney Walk participant. Last summer, my transplant dragon boat team won multiple gold medals.
This past year has been a gift—a year of creating memories, chasing dreams and celebrating moments I never thought I’d see.
From the bottom of my heart, I thank the donor who saved my life, my family and friends who stood by me and the incredible medical staff at LHSC.