Green Shirt Day is more than a day of awareness for Toronto journalist Christina Howorun, it’s the reality she is living every day.
Christina Howorun.She is waiting for a kidney transplant and urging more Canadians to register as organ donors. (CityNews)
Howorun, a former CTV News London reporter, is currently waiting for a kidney transplant, one of more than 4,000 Canadians hoping for a life-saving organ donation.
Green Shirt Day is when Canadians are encouraged to register as organ and tissue donors and speak with family members about their wishes.
The campaign was inspired by Humboldt Broncos player Logan Boulet, who became an organ donor after he was fatally injured in the 2018 team bus crash.
Health officials say more than one person dies each day in Canada while waiting for a transplant.
“It’s a very visible cue and reminder that there are literally thousands of people waiting for an organ transplant today,” Howorun said.
Howorun said that the process of recruiting a donor can take months and requires extensive medical testing to ensure compatibility and safety.
She said misconceptions about organ donation continue to be a barrier for a lot of Canadians.
“There’s this horrible myth that if you sign up to be an organ donor, they won’t try to save you,” she said. “That’s not the way that works. You’re still going to get the best care possible.”
Local residents may register their consent online through the province’s donor registry in Ontario. Other provinces have similar programs, while Nova Scotia operates a presumed consent system.
Health officials say a single donor can save up to eight lives.
