Photo by Robina Weermeijer

When I was on location in Fort Qu’Appelle earlier in March I met a man who underwent a successful kidney transplant. He was a fascinating individual talk to because he felt comfortable enough to share his story with with me. He had been on dialysis for several years prior to the transplant and was thankful when he was able to get on a transplant list. This just goes to show why being an organ donor is important because one never knows how many people will be helped. In this man’s case, doctors were able to find a nearly perfect match for him and, as the man told me, his life much more enjoyable now with the new kidney.

A man from Ontario now holds the Guinness World Record for being the oldest kidney transplant recipient. 88 year old Walter Tauro of Markham, ON has claimed the world record after his nurses encouraged him to apply for the record while he was recovering. In 2020 Tauro was diagnosed with kidney disease and would have to go on dialysis, which was a devastating blow for the former real estate agent who was used to being on the go. After about three years of being on dialysis he got tired of it and wanted to be placed on a kidney transplant list. A donor came through for him, the procedure was done, and he says he’s feeling very good.

According to the Saskatchewan government, anyone who is 16 years or older with a valid Saskatchewan Health Services Card can register their intent to become an organ donor. For those who are interested in learning more about being an organ donor, CLICK HERE.