Dad gives son his kidney

Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer

Jeff Treadway is best known in Penticton as the longtime owner of Jeffer's Fryzz.

But recently he has gained attention for another reason, serving as a kidney donor for his 24-year-old son.

"When my son was born I committed to looking after him and I didn't think twice about this," he said, as he worked at the food truck on Thursday.

It all started a year ago when Tim Treadway was playing hockey and suddenly passed out.

He was taken to hospital where it was determined after several tests that he had acute kidney failure.

"After that it was pretty much the long haul of being on dialysis and trying to find a match to get one new kidney," he said. "It was a very tough period being young and wanting to do things."

Ultimately, he ended up finding a match close to home, his dad, and got the news April 4 would be the date for the surgery in Vancouver.

"I felt really grateful he was thinking of me and able to donate," he said. "And I've pretty much felt healthy since and it has improved my energy. I'm back to playing hockey and working for Jeffer's Fryzz."

As for Jeff Treadway, once he found out in the middle of March that he could be a healthy donor, he didn't question it.

Like his son, he has felt terrific since the surgery.

"I feel like I've been the one with the biggest gift received, because it was unconditional giving," he said.

The two are now readying to share their story of the successful kidney donation as honorees at the Kidney Walk, put on by the Kidney Foundation, in Penticton on Sunday at Gyro Park.

The walk is designed to help make a difference to persons living with kidney disease

Registration for the event starts at 9 a.m.

For more information, go here