ORGAN DONATION to talk about available options such as the Kidney Paired Donation Program. Also, have an understanding of programs that can help cover some of the costs to be able to alleviate some fears about expenses. Living organ donors may apply for financial support through the Program for Reimbursing Expenses of Living Organ Donors (PRELOD). If anyone shows real interest in being a living donor, be prepared with contact information for your transplant hospital but be sure to let them know that they can back out of the process at any time. Sometimes breaking the ice with a conversation-starter can lead to more information being distributed. A T-shirt
stating your need for a kidney (Got Kidney?), a unique piece of jewelry such as an organ donor pin or green organ donor ribbon that attracts attention and allows an opening for conversation can be effective. Business cards and flyers are handy to reach out to large groups of people like a sports group or church congregation. Sharing that you need a kidney is not illegal, but you must be clear that it is illegal in Canada to pay a person to be your living donor. Don’t be discouraged if no one steps up right away to be your living donor. Time is needed to absorb what you have told them. Learn more about Living Donation at kidney.ca.
April is Be a Donor Month
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or many people living with kidney disease, a transplant offers the best chance at a healthier life. Organ donation saves lives and restores health. A kidney transplant is not a cure, but it offers the best possible improvement to health and quality of life for many people living with kidney failure. Here are a few ways you can get involved: • Inspire others to register or confirm that they are registered at beadonor.ca/kidneyfoundationofcanada • Share your support for organ donation on social media • Talk to your family about organ and tissue donation
Approximately 4,400 people are on the waiting list for an organ transplant in Canada with 77 percent of them in need of a kidney transplant. On April 7, wear a green shirt, take a selfie and share it online. Tag @kidneyontario and use #kidneyon, #GreenShirtDay, #LoganBouletEffect
Green Shirt Day – April 7, 2021 On April 7, wear green, register to be an organ donor and talk to your family about your wishes. The Kidney Foundation is proud to be a community partner of Green Shirt Day. Green Shirt Day honours the legacy of Logan Boulet, a 21-year-old Humboldt Broncos hockey player who died following a tragic bus crash that took the lives of 16 people on April 6, 2018. Logan’s parents, Bernadine (Bernie) and Toby Boulet, honoured Logan’s wish to be a donor, saving the lives of six Canadians. Logan, giving the gift of life, inspired more than 100,000 Canadians to register their intent to donate their organs in a national groundswell of support now widely known as ‘The Logan Boulet Effect.’ kidney.ca
Spring 2021 / Kidney Living / 13
