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Kelowna  

Thanks for gift of life

Organ transplant recipients said thanks – with popcorn – at hospitals across B.C. this week.

It was the 25th anniversary of Operation Popcorn, an annual tradition in which transplant recipients thank health professionals for the gift of life.

Liver recipient Matt Scaife led a group handing out treats at Kelowna General Hospital.

“When I heard health-care professionals that work with organ donors and their families rarely get the opportunity to talk to post-transplant patients, I realized how important it was to participate in Operation Popcorn," he said.

"I love that I have the opportunity to talk to and visit, but more importantly, thank those who put in so much hard work dealing with the tragedies that lead to organ donation. This will be my 15th year participating in Operation Popcorn, and I hope to continue to be able to thank all those involved locally.”

Teams visited 31 hospitals in B.C. and one in the Yukon to give festive tins of popcorn in appreciation.

So far this year, there have been 91 deceased donor cases and 92 living donor cases in B.C. – providing the gift of life to 396 recipients. 

“As many as 150 health-care workers can be involved in the donation and transplant process, and some never learn the outcome of their efforts, much less get an opportunity to meet the people they helped,” said Dr. Sean Keenan, medical director at  BC Transplant. 

A total of 1,044,908 British Columbians are registered organ donors. You can register at any Service BC government agent office.

 



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