As reported by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), as of December 31, 2023, a total of 3,427 Canadians were on waitlists for organ transplants. Of these, 60% were actively waiting, while 40% were temporarily on hold. Additionally, 681 Canadians were removed from the waitlists, with 31% of those having passed away during the waiting period.
90 percent of Canadians approve of organ and tissue donation according to public opinion data, but only 32 percent put their names on an organ donation registry.
In joining forces with governments, health-care providers, and Canadian Blood services, and by continuing to support and collaborate across the country, progress continues to be made and there is hope that there will be a day when no one waiting for a transplant will have to die.
By raising awareness to encourage Canadians to register to be a donor and talk to their loved ones about organ donation, and with continued support and collaboration across the country, a transplantation and world-class organ donation system in Canada is possible.
Organ Donation continues to take on a whole new meaning for me and my family. In 2020 my nephew died accidentally of a brain injury and his parents did not hesitate when asked if they would consider him to be an organ donor in hopes of saving others’ lives.
He became a hero on the eve of his 23rd birthday and a total of seven individuals received major organs successfully transplanted including his tissue and corneas. Tissue donations from one individual alone can help up to 75 lives.
Four years later, our family realized once again how important organ donation is as we awaited a family member desperately in need of a liver.
At 6 weeks old, baby Emma was diagnosed with biliary atresia. After months of grueling tests, doctor appointments, being poked and prodded, scans, and months at the Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton, our prayers were answered when a selfless woman donated part of her liver in hope of saving Emma’s life.
Since her transplant in June, Emma is doing well and thriving. She will continue to be monitored regularly, but is a happy, spunky, beautiful little girl who keeps mom and dad on their toes!
Being on both sides of organ transplant, we realize that in the most tragic of events and situations, there is always hope for others, and we ask to please sign your donor cards.
https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/health/accessing-health-care-services/organ-and-tissue-donor-registry or https://www.donateyourorgans.ca/
Contact info for liver living donor programs in Alberta; 780-407-8698; toll free (Canada only) 1-866-253-6833; email: livingdonors@ahs.ca
ABOVE: Emma post transplant in June, 2024: Emma nine months after surgery, March, 2025
