Read stories of those whose lives have been affected by organ donation and transplant.
We know that the power of organ donation is best told through personal stories. So, we've collected stories of transplant recipients, donor families, and those closest to them to show how transplant and organ donation makes a difference throughout the province.
Have a connection to transplant? Want to share your story? Please see our send us an email at info@bct.phsa.ca.
April 20 to 26, 2025 is National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week. BC Transplant’s organ donation and hospital development team oversees every organ donor case in the province.
Ben’s transplant journey is featured in the third episode of Knowledge Network's docuseries ‘Transplant Stories’ currently airing in April. Though Ben only lived a few months after his transplant, the gift of life gave all of them desperately-needed hope.
April is Organ Donation Awareness Month and Rick and Noreen Woodford know firsthand how profound giving the gift of life can be – they lost their son Mattie seven years ago and honoured his registered decision to become an organ donor.
Michelle Sagert brought joy to so many people and was known for making others feel good. She was also a registered organ donor. Michelle saved several lives when she passed away at 35 years of age.
Throughout her nursing career, Karen Alden has been at the bedside of organ donors and their families and patients undergoing heart surgery. Then she became the patient. Diagnosed with heart failure, Karen desperately needed a new heart to stay alive.
In 2024, hundreds of British Columbians received the gift of life through the generosity of organ donors such as Benjamin Warner. Benjamin was one of 118 deceased donors last year and saved three people’s lives.
On a Sunday morning in March 2024, Harvey Keizer got the call. There was a gifted heart matched to him. He packed his bags and made his way to St. Paul’s Hospital where he received his second chance at life the next day.
VANCOUVER – Thanks to the incredible generosity of more than 200 organ donors, 481 British Columbians received a life-saving organ transplant in 2024. Now 6,318 British Columbians are followed up and cared for today because of organ donation.
In 2016, BCT organ donation coordinator David Torney was an ICU nurse in Nanaimo. He was on shift the night his homestay student María was rushed in with severe injuries. What happened afterwards transformed four people’s lives.
Operation Popcorn came to end on December 6 with many hearts filled with gratitude and joy. With festive deliveries to 29 hospitals, over 80 volunteers and BCT staff enjoyed the opportunity to give thanks.
