Residents got a first-hand look at the impact organ donation can have at the 2nd Chance Trail Ride information session.
Residents got a first-hand look at the impact organ donation can have at the 2nd Chance Trail Ride information session.
Transplant recipients and representatives of the GoodHearts Foundation welcomed the public into the Bonnyville Seniors Drop-In Centre, for a unique look at organ donation on Wednesday, Jan. 17.
"This is important, because this might make people go home and have the conversation on becoming an organ donor with their families. Who knows, someone in their family might even need it someday," detailed event coordinator Fae Irvine.
A few people who have been through the process from start to finish gave those attending a better understanding of what goes into an organ transplant.
At age 53, Gary Hefner underwent a successful double-lung transplant. After going through a definite period of uncertainty, Hefner is grateful for how his situation was handled every step of the way.
"When you've got 22-days to live, and you're saying goodbye to your family, that's scary. I got lucky. I know I have a lot of great friends that are currently going through the process. They put me back together in a week. I'm living proof, here in front of you today, that our healthcare system works very well," emphasized Hefner.
In 2016, a double-transplant completely changed Patty Crawford's life. Four years prior, she went to her doctor after noticing she was unable to keep up with her son around the house. Doctors discovered Crawford's kidneys were only operating at 30 per cent of their capability, and immediately ordered her to start dialysis.
During that time, Crawford would undergo treatments at home. Because she's diabetic, she was constantly hooked up to an insulin pump.
"When I got that call that evening, I was in surgery shortly after. My pancreas started producing insulin right on the table, and my kidneys started producing urine. I haven't had a shot of insulin, and I haven't been hooked up to that machine since. Now, I can take care of my family, and I can't even explain what a difference its made in our lives," she said.
Once they had finished sharing their experiences, Irvine told the crowd where they could find all the information they might need on organ donation.
Referencing the constant need for more donors, Irvine encouraged everybody to become informed, talk about it, and make a decision on whether or not to be a donor.
"The statistic is 90 per cent of Canadians are okay with organ donation, but only 20 per cent register to donate. This is such an important conversation to have. Just one donor can save up to eight lives," Irvine emphasized.
For more information on becoming an organ and tissue donor, visit the Alberta Organ and Tissue Registry at myhealth.alberta.ca
