BC leads in transplants

Photo: Providence Healthcare

Five thousand people in B.C. are alive because of organ donation as BC Transplant celebrating its 50th year.

"We can proudly say B.C. has among the highest rates of living kidney donation in Canada and is an international leader in this area," says Dr. Jagbir Gill, transplant nephrologist at St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver.

With 28 per cent of B.C. residents registered as organ donors, there are over 700 residents waiting for a transplant. 

Minister of Health Adrian Dix is urging the public to register because 27 people died in 2018 while waiting for a transplant. 

"We need more people to register to help save those who are waiting," said Dix.

Geoffrey Dunsire, 31, is the 5,000th person to receive a transplant in B.C., after receiving a kidney transplant from Debi Pearce.

"Donating a kidney has changed my life in so many ways," said Pearce. "I feel empowered, positive and so grateful to be able to help give Geoff back his 'normal' life again."

Both Dunsire and Pearce are recovering well.

"Donors are our heroes, and this incredible milestone is truly their legacy of the incredible gift of life," said Dr. Maureen O'Donnell, with the Provincial Health Services Authority.