Knowledge is Key to Positive Organ Transplantation Experience in Canada

HAMILTON, Ontario - Feb. 23, 2015 - PRLog -- Jessica Gold's daughter, Alexandria, was only 5 months old when she received a life-saving liver transplant in 2010, thanks to a deceased donor. Jessica has chosen to learn as much as possible about organ and tissue donation, and started a volunteer awareness group to help educate the community of the importance of organ and tissue donation.

“Education is key because not everyone has had a personal encounter with organ donation,” says Gold. “Should the opportunity arise for them or their loved one, I want to make sure they have all the information they need to make the right decision for themselves. Not enough people realize how easy it is to register.”

Arie Pekar also believes research and advocacy is necessary.

“Kidney disease is not a disease for the passive patient,” explains Pekar. “When it comes to organ transplantation, people need to know they have options. Considering other hospitals better suited to meet your choice of treatment does not come naturally to Canadians. We are led to believe treatment options are standardized, but they are not.”

Pekar was on dialysis and had recently become a father when a long-time friend gave him the gift of life. With a history of polycystic kidney disease (PKD) in his family, he knows the importance of organ and tissue donation, and how it greatly improved his quality of life and that of his family.

He’ll be sharing the ups and downs en route to his successful kidney transplant for the first time publicly in Classroom B (T2208), in the Juravinski Innovation Tower, St. Joseph's on Charlton Avenue East, after Jessica Gold.

This presentation starting at 2pm is part of an ongoing series of two-hour informational support meetings hosted by the Hamilton Chapter of the PKD Foundation of Canada. They are open to the public free of charge and the venue is wheelchair accessible. Registration is not required. Local street parking (free) and hospital parking (payment required) is available.

For more information about polycystic kidney disease, visit the PKD Foundation of Canada website www.endpkd.ca or call 1-877-410-1741.