Margaret (left) and Mary Ann (right) celebrate at University Hospital (Finn Dermo / XFM News)
Margaret Reardon was only in her 20s when she made the brave choice to donate a kidney. Her sister, and the recipient of her donation, said the operation changed her life.
The siblings were among the first few in LHSC’s Multi-Organ Transplant Program. Yesterday marked 50 years since the operation.
The survival rate for this type of surgery is currently 95%, but back then it was only around 17%. Despite the odds, both sisters have lived happily and healthily for decades.
Doctors, the sisters’ family, and many more gathered to honour the anniversary at University Hospital. Recipient Mary Ann Crosset thanked all who attended and spoke about the impact of her younger sister’s decision.
“I’m so grateful to have had my sister. She’s been so special.”
A standing ovation as Crosset and Reardon received the plaque.
(Finn Dermo / XFM News)
To recognize the milestone, the Kidney Foundation of Canada presented a plaque to the sisters. “We wanted to recognize you, your family, your sister, and all those people who give of themselves,” said the organization’s Senior Regional Manager.
“We’re hitting well above our weight here at LHSC, and I think that’s something we can all be very, very proud of,” said Dr. Alp Sener.
Most other programs worldwide consist of about 20% of living donors. In LHSC’s program, 30% of donations come from living patients.
The procedure to remove a kidney also leaves less scarring nowadays, thanks to advancements in medical technology. The organ is able to be completely removed from a person’s belly button.
Dr. Sener said the hospital is continuing to pave the way forward for attentive and compassionate care. A safely-to-home program is set to launch over the next year.
