Ken Sharp gets kidney transplant

Former Peterborough resident Ken Sharp, Canada’s longest living kidney dialysis patient, has had a kidney transplant.

The Port Hope resident had the procedure in Toronto on Thursday.

“I was ecstatic. I knew it was coming, I knew I was at the top of the list,” said Sharp, who has been on dialysis for 42 years after he had a kidney transplant at the age of 20.

“They activated the list on Aug. 8 and this is seven days later. Things come in sevens and seven makes it perfect.”

Sharp has been a longtime advocate for advancements to the bioartificial kidney, a surgically implanted, free-standing device to treat end-stage renal disease.

“The bioartificial kidney is at the point of human trials in the United States now,” he said. “There are 60,000 people besides me on dialysis in this country and they have to give this money.”

In June of last year, Sharp, who has already undergone two transplants, two major back surgeries and surgeries on his neck and arms, said he was thankful to be alive.

“I had two pillars: My mom and my dad, the pillars of strength,” he said. “I am keeping the hope.”

Sharp vowed to continue to advocate for those living with kidney disease then, reaffirming his commitment in Toronto.

“When they have the technology for something better than dialysis they should be doing something about it,” he said.

In 2018, Northumberland Peter borough South MP Kim Rudd describing Sharp’s efforts as “tireless” while speaking in the House of Commons.

Ken Sharp