Kathleen’s Story

Kathleen never imagined that the day would come when doctors would tell her to “get her affairs in order.” Her organs were failing and the only thing that could save her life was a liver and kidney transplant. But the doctors didn’t believe she would survive long enough to receive one.

Prior to coming to London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) in 2021, Kathleen had been told to prepare for the worst. And that’s exactly what she did. Her organs were failing, and she had been left with little hope. The prospect of survival seemed impossible, and each passing day only deepened her despair. Her once vibrant life had been reduced to a daily struggle, constant illness, exhaustion, and hospital visits. She could barely leave her bed except for dialysis treatments five times a week and medical appointments.

But Kathleen wasn’t ready to give up. She had so much more to live for. She dreamed of watching her daughters, Maddie and Corina, graduate from university, start their careers, get married, and begin families of their own. She envisioned traveling with her husband once they both retired, seeing places she had only dreamed of visiting. Yet with each passing day, she feared she was running out of time.

Kathleen was losing hope, having made final arrangements for her funeral. But then, in March 2023, everything changed when she received a call from Amy Chambers, a Transplant Coordinator at LHSC. Amy had just received her referral and told Kathleen she would “get her in fast.”

The next few weeks were a whirlwind of tests, procedures, and more tests. Each time, Kathleen made the nearly two-hour drive to University Hospital, where the medical team greeted her with care and compassion. These visits brought comfort, but Kathleen knew time was precious.

Then came the call. A liver and kidney match had been found. Kathleen and her family were overwhelmed with emotions—hope for the transplant she so desperately needed, fear that she might not survive the surgery, and sorrow for the family who had lost a loved one.

Kathleen is forever grateful to the organ donor and their family. Their selflessness gave her, and likely others, a second chance at life. She also feels deep gratitude for the entire medical team at LHSC, from surgeons to nurses to administrative staff who played vital roles in her journey. There were moments of kindness that will stay with her forever, like the nurse who allowed her family to stay past visiting hours when she needed them most.

But without Amy Chambers, there would be no story to tell. Amy’s unwavering support, care, and compassion were extraordinary. Kathleen will always remember the sight of Amy skipping down the hall to her room after her surgery, bringing a much-needed smile to her face.

When Kathleen was discharged, Amy gave her one final piece of advice: “Go live your life.” And that’s exactly what she did.

In the year since her transplant, Kathleen has traveled to Boston, Nashville, New York City, and Disney World, proudly wearing a pin that read, “1st visit kidney and liver.” She has embraced new experiences like zip-lining, rock climbing, and the CN Tower Edgewalk. She watched her daughters graduate from university and accomplish incredible things. Maddie even started a docuseries called Hope Transplanted, sharing the inspiring stories of people whose lives were saved by organ transplants.

To honor the unknown hero who saved her life, Kathleen became a passionate advocate for organ and tissue donation. She spoke during BeADonor Week, where she had the honor of lighting up the CN Tower and Niagara Falls in green. She now serves as a Transplant Ambassador, a member of the Kidney Patient and Donor Alliance, a volunteer for the Kidney Foundation, and a participant in the Kidney Walk. Last summer, her transplant dragon boat team won multiple gold medals.

This past year has been a gift, a year of creating memories, chasing dreams, and celebrating moments she never thought she’d experience.

From the bottom of her heart, Kathleen thanks the donor who saved her life, her family and friends who stood by her, and the incredible medical staff at LHSC.