Hello friends, good news to share: a kidney donor has been found!

I’ve been holding off talking about this for a few months now. The disease makes me exhausted, and writing this note felt like too much. I also want to respect the donor’s privacy, as they prefer to stay out of the spotlight.

I can’t notify all my friends individually, so I’m writing this here.

The story

Back in 2017, I went public about my kidney failure due to Polycystic Kidney Disease. In June 2019, with support from my care team, I made a public appeal for a donor — one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.

I was overwhelmed by the response. Friends, family, acquaintances, and even strangers reached out. The SAR community especially stepped up — many current and former members got tested.

Media coverage from CBC and Tri-City News helped raise awareness about PKD and the importance of organ donation. I’m so grateful for that visibility.

So many people contacted me asking what was involved in donating. To everyone who showed support — thank you. It means the world to me.

The Last 8 Months

Many people were tested. Sylvia, my partner, wasn’t a match, but was approved to donate and offered to enter the Kidney Paired Donation Program.

The paired program is complex and would have required us to be in different cities during surgery — not ideal with our son. It was considered our plan B.

In July, the PKD Foundation of Canada featured my story. By September, I heard someone was likely a match. I didn’t know who, but I was hopeful.

Later, I joined an awareness event hosted by the Kidney Foundation and Woody’s Pub. Again, the SAR community showed up. Their support continues to lift me up.

The Donor

In November 2019, I got a call. A friend from the SAR community told me their partner had been tested, was a match, and had been approved. I was shocked — I had no idea. They had kept it a secret to protect me from disappointment.

It was overwhelming. I had to pull over, tears in my eyes, just trying to take it all in.

My journey with PKD started with the SAR team — and in the end, it’s the SAR community that saved my life.

What Happens Now

My GFR is holding at 15. I’m tired, but still working, with help from Sylvia who’s on sabbatical. Without her, this wouldn’t be possible.

The transplant surgery will likely happen in June. I probably won’t need dialysis — incredible news. After the transplant, I’ll be on immunosuppressants and have to take precautions, but that’s a small price for a second chance.

To everyone who stepped forward — I’m forever grateful. If you ever need me, I will go to the ends of the earth for you.

If someone you know needs a transplant, remember: you don’t have to be a match to help. The specialists can handle that. Anyone healthy enough can be part of the paired donation program.

Thank you all for reading.

To learn more about Michael’s PKD journey, watch this video.

Michael first shared his Voices of PKD story in late 2019. Read the original story here.

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