Photo: Contributed

Vernon North Okanagan RCMP are encouraging people to step up and save a life.

The local mounties are rallying around one of their own who is in need of an organ transplant, but by becoming an organ donor many lives can be saved

“With organ donation being top of mind in recent weeks as a result of Green Shirt Day, the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP are looking to further raise awareness around the topic as one of our own police officers is currently hospitalized and facing the possibility of an organ transplant,” said Const. Kelly Brett.

Several weeks ago, a Vernon North Okanagan RCMP officer suddenly fell ill while attending a course in the Lower Mainland.

Within 24 hours, he was admitted to a hospital and diagnosed with Viral Cardiomyopathy. The officer has since been in the Intensive Care Unit and has faced many medical hurdles, including requiring assistance for his heart to function. 

“Our colleague, who is a husband and a father of two young children, has been desperately battling for his life,” said Brett. “Staff within the North Okanagan RCMP have truly stepped up to the plate. Although we can’t physically be there to help our colleague, we want to show our support by taking two minutes out of our day to register as organ donors or check our current registration status. It is an unfortunate reminder of the importance of organ donor registration, as our friend and colleague faces the possibility of a heart transplant in the very near future.”

Staff of the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP are challenging all first responders and their communities to register and/or check their organ donation status through BC Transplant at taketwominutes.ca. 

There are no restrictions in terms of age, previous or current medical conditions, or where you’ve previously lived. 

To register your decision at taketwomintues.ca you will need the following:

• Your BC Personal Health Number (PHN)
• Your name, birth date and address
• To be at least 19 years old – or have a parent / guardian sign on the minor’s behalf

“Humboldt Bronco’s player Logan Boulet and Green Shirt Day has inspired so many British Columbians to take action and register their organ donation decision,” said Leanne Appleton, provincial executive director of BC Transplant. “We know the vast majority of British Columbians are in support of organ donation, so we urge everyone to take two minutes and register their decision, then have the conversation with their family. One organ donor can save up to eight lives.”