REGINA — Saskatchewan is dedicating the month of April to raising awareness of organ and tissue donation across the province.
The province has launched a new awareness campaign featuring stories of Saskatchewan people impacted by the organ and tissue donation process, including:
Kyla Thomson, a mother who inspired millions of followers by sharing the health journey of her late daughter, Bella Thomson, known as "Bella Brave." The 10-year-old from Swift Current underwent a successful bowel transplant after spending years waiting for an organ donation. Unfortunately, Bella passed away nearly one year after the transplant due to an unrelated health complication. Kyla and the Thomson family continue to honour Bella's legacy by advocating on the importance of organ and tissue donation;
Kevin Wesaquate, an Indigenous artist who creates paintings honouring those who choose to become donors. He advocates for organ and tissue donation after losing his mother, who was on the transplant wait-list; and
Monica Keet, a donor coordinator with the Saskatchewan Health Authority. Monica is a strong advocate for registration at givelifesask.ca, as she knows firsthand the transplant wait-list is much higher than the number of available donors.
"Touching stories of the life-changing impact of organ and tissue donation, like the ones shared by Kyla, Kevin and Monica, are exactly why our government continues to make investments that put patients first by raising awareness about and improving access to organ and tissue donation," Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. "Over 33,000 Saskatchewan people have registered at givelifesask.ca and I encourage everyone to talk with their family about organ and tissue donation and to record their wishes in the donor registry."
"Bella's journey showed us just how life-changing organ donation can be," Thomson said. "We were given more time with her because of a donor's generosity, and that's something our family will always be grateful for. By sharing her story, we hope more people will register and have these important conversations, so other families can be given the gift of life."
Saskatchewan provides more than $4.3 million in annual funding to support the provincial Organ and Tissue Donor Program.
In 2020, the GiveLifeSask campaign was launched. Visit givelifesask.ca for more information on the registry program.
“During National Organ and Tissue Donation Month, we encourage Saskatchewan residents to learn about donation, register their decision, and talk with their loved ones about this important and life-giving choice,” Keet said. “When the right care is delivered by the right team at the right time, donation becomes a powerful gift of hope for families and recipients alike.”
With a clear understanding of a loved one's wishes, it is easier for families to make the decision to donate if approached by a donor coordinator. One organ donor can save up to eight lives, and one tissue donor can help up to 75 people.
Anyone over the age of 16 is eligible to register their decision to be an organ and tissue donor and request information about the process of becoming a living organ donor through the Saskatchewan Organ and Tissue Donor Registry, available at saskatchewan.ca/residents/health/accessing-health-care-services/organ-and-tissue-donor-registry.
Activities to mark National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Month included Green Shirt Day to honour the legacy of Logan Boulet and the "Light It Green" initiative, where landmarks across Canada were illuminated to raise awareness. The TC Douglas Building in Regina was included.
