I own and operate a family restaurant business in Ottawa. It’s a bit of a cliché to say that our staff are like family, but in our case, I’ve always felt that it’s true.
Several years ago, I donated one of my kidneys to someone I worked with.
He was a young man at the time, and someone I’d come to know through the restaurant. We worked together then, and remarkably, we still work together today.
I’ve often reflected on what led me to become a living donor. At the time, I don’t think I could have offered a particularly thoughtful explanation. There was simply an urge, a feeling that this was something I needed to do. It felt right, and I followed that instinct.
Looking back now, with more years and perspective behind me, I understand that decision a little differently.
So much of life feels beyond our control. We see things happening around us, both good and bad, and often feel powerless to change them. But occasionally, we’re presented with an opportunity to make a real, direct difference in someone else’s life.
For me, this was one of those opportunities.
I wasn’t trying to make a grand statement or do something extraordinary. I simply recognized that there was something I could do, something within my ability to help make right, and I chose to do it.
It’s one of the proudest things I’ve ever done.
Today, when I look around our restaurant and see someone I shared that experience with still working alongside me, I’m reminded of just how connected our lives can be.
I’m sharing this story because I hope it encourages others to learn about living organ donation. Not everyone can or should become a donor, but everyone can become more informed.
Sometimes the opportunity to make a difference is closer than we realize.
