Stephanie's story

Stephanie Jolink was only ten years old when she was diagnosed with chronic kidney failure and faced years of dialysis to keep her kidneys working. She was active in dance, swimming, horseback riding and skating, and a thriving student who loved hanging out with her friends. Several days a week on dialysis at the hospital meant she had to miss a lot of school and social time, and swimming wasn’t possible anymore due to the central line to her heart. Then she learned she needed a new kidney.

Real stories told by real people

Julianne’s story

Julianne was just a baby when her parents were informed that she needed a heart transplant. Julianne’s family are forever thankful to the other family who decided to make the decision to donate their loved ones’ organs. Their choice not only impacted their daughter, but their family as a whole.

Graeme's Story

Graeme received his first kidney from his mother. Then, when he was in grade 10, he found out that he would not only need another kidney transplant but also a liver transplant. He was saved because someone chose to donate their organs.

Gurjit's story

Shak is a living kidney donor and Gurjit is a kidney transplant recipient. As Shak was not a direct match for Gurjit, the transplant was facilitated through the Kidney Paired Donation program. Shak and Gurjit are married and since their donation and transplant, they have grown their family and now have a young son named Kasen.