ONE OF THE LUCKY ONES

When celebrities like Selena Gomez share their experiences, it helps raise awareness of kidney disease and the transplant process, says Elizabeth Myles, national executive director of The Kidney Foundation of Canada. “Her particular circumstance is an important reminder that kidney disease can impact people of all ages.”

According to Myles, “living organ donation is common, as nearly half of all kidney transplants are from living donors, but it is still not enough to meet the growing demand.”

Gomez is one of the lucky ones. Waiting can be deadly. In 2015, a total of 235 Canadians died while waiting for an organ transplant — nearly a third were waiting for a kidney. The Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), also reports that the number of patients on the waiting list for kidney transplants was approximately 2.5 times higher than the number of transplants performed. Their statistical data covers 2006 to 2015.

The need for kidneys far exceeds the supply: As of the end of 2015, there were 3,377 people waiting for a kidney transplant. More than 21,000 patients are on dialysis, excluding Quebec. Dialysis is a time-consuming and exhausting process for patients, says Myles. “Transplant is the preferred treatment option for kidney patients. It improves health and survival, and a patient’s quality of life is vastly better.”

BECOMING A DONOR

Stats show 90 per cent of Canadians support organ and tissue donation but less than 20 per cent have made plans to donate. One donor can save up to eight lives, says the Canadian Transplant Society.

Be sure to register your wishes to become an organ donor so the hospital is aware of your choice. It’s equally important that you discuss your decision with loved ones who will honour your wishes.

A list of registries is available at cantransplant.ca.