Meet three transplant recipients competing at the 10th Canadian Transplant Games

Man in yellow jacket stands with bicycle near ocean — *Jonathan, seen in this photo, had his first operation on his kidneys at one day old. Forty-five years later, he received a kidney from his sister, a living donor.*

Canadian Blood Services welcomed the Canadian Transplant Games to Ottawa August 3–9, 2024, as an official sponsor of the event and contributed 25 volunteers to bring the games to life. 

Organized and hosted by the Canadian Transplant Association, the games bring together transplant recipients, living donors, donor families and their supporters to compete in events from pickleball to swimming to cycling. What better way to showcase the strength and resilience of all of them? Read on for just a few of the athletes’ stories.   

Jonathan, kidney transplant recipient 

Jonathan, seen in the photo at the top of this article, had his first operation on his kidneys at one day old. Forty-five years later, he received a kidney from his sister, a living donor. 

Tanner, stem cell transplant recipient 

Tanner was diagnosed at age six with a type of anemia that makes his bone marrow unable to produce healthy red blood cells. A stem cell transplant was his only hope of a cure, and Tanner was fortunate to be able to receive donated stem cells from his older brother, Teemu. 

Benoit, kidney transplant recipient  

When Benoit’s kidneys were failing and he was forced to go on dialysis, his mother, Sylvie, decided to become his living kidney donor. As a lifelong swimmer, Benoit knew that he wanted to continue in his sport.

Jonathan, Tanner, and Benoit show us that a transplant is life-changing.

All Canadians, including champions and members of Partners for Life teams across Canada, are encouraged to join the stem cell registry if they are eligible (aged 17-35), and to register their intent to donate organs and tissues and share that decision with family and loved ones. 