Discover Maigen’s powerful story of becoming a living liver donor during the uncertainty of COVID-19—and how one spontaneous “why not?” turned into a life-saving decision.

In this episode of Living Transplant, Maigen shares how a lighthearted comment between family became the beginning of an extraordinary journey. Rooted in love, resilience, and a deep sense of care for others, her story highlights the emotional and physical realities of living donation, the strength of family bonds, and the perspective shift that comes with giving a part of yourself to save a life.

From navigating the transplant process during a global pandemic to redefining her relationship with her body and her future, Maigen offers an honest and inspiring look at what it truly means to be a living donor.

In this episode, we explore:

• Maigen’s spontaneous decision to become a living liver donor during the early days of COVID-19
• How a simple “why not?” mindset led to a life-changing journey
• The realities of donor testing, including unexpected challenges like rapid weight loss
• Navigating transplant logistics and emotional stress during a global pandemic
• The importance of communication, advocacy, and support systems throughout the process
• What recovery really looks like—and how quickly life can begin to feel “normal” again
• The evolving meaning of her transplant scar—from insecurity to a badge of honour
• The impact of donation on family relationships, identity, and future outlook
• Advice for potential donors and caregivers navigating uncertainty

Links

Learn more about living organ donation: www.livingorgandonation.ca

Living Liver Donation at UHN: UHN Ajmera Transplant Centre

Information Sessions for potential donors: givelifeuhn.eventbrite.ca

Becoming a living donor: https://www.uhn.ca/Transplant/Pages/become_living_donor.aspx

Each episode, we share patient stories about organ donation from transplant recipients and living donors, along with insights and education from leading medical experts. Whether you’re a patient, a caregiver, a donor, or simply curious about the world of organ transplantation, you’ll hear expert advice and inspiring journeys of hope, resilience, and second chances.

About our Host

Candice Coghlan is the Education & Outreach Coordinator at the Centre for Living Organ Donation at the UHN Ajmera Transplant Centre. She is also a board member for the National Kidney Foundation and a kidney transplant recipient. After she was diagnosed with kidney failure in her early 20s, she was on dialysis until receiving a transplant from her mother.

Have questions? Comments? Ideas for an episode? Please reach out to the Centre for Living Organ Donation at livingorgandonation@uhn.ca. Thanks for spending your time with us.

The views and opinions expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Toronto General or University Health Network.

In this powerful episode of Living Transplant, Fadia shares her deeply personal journey through kidney disease, receiving a living donor transplant from her sister, and now navigating a return to dialysis. With honesty and vulnerability, she reflects on the evolution of her mindset—from a “go, go, go” approach to one rooted in acceptance, rest, and self-compassion.

Fadia opens up about the realities of invisible illness, balancing motherhood and a demanding career in education, and the emotional complexity of asking for and receiving help. She also speaks to the power of community through the ACB Organ Health Committee, and how advocacy, culturally safe care, and representation are critical in improving outcomes for Black patients.

This episode is a reminder that transplant is not a cure, but part of a lifelong journey. Fadia’s story encourages listeners to slow down, speak up, and redefine what strength truly looks like.

• Living donor kidney transplant and sibling donation
• Returning to dialysis after transplant
• Redefining “balance” and embracing rest
• Invisible illness and “you don’t look sick”
• Motherhood, career, and chronic illness
• The importance of support systems and asking for help
• Patient advocacy and being the expert of your own body
• Navigating the healthcare system and medical mistrust
• Cultural safety and equity in organ donation and transplantation
• The impact of community: ACB Organ Health Committee

Learn more about living organ donation: www.livingorgandonation.ca

Living Kidney & Liver Donation at UHN: UHN Ajmera Transplant Centre

Information Sessions for potential donors: givelifeuhn.eventbrite.ca

Becoming a living donor: https://www.uhn.ca/Transplant/Pages/become_living_donor.aspx

ACB Organ Health Committee & Green Table Talk: https://www.youtube.com/@acborganhealth

Black Health Alliance: https://blackhealthalliance.ca

Kidney Foundation of Canada – Living Donation https://kidney.ca/Get-Involved/Be-a-Living-Donor

Trillium Gift of Life Network – Organ Donation in Ontario

https://www.giftoflife.on.ca

Each episode, we share patient stories about organ donation from transplant recipients and living donors, along with insights and education from leading medical experts. Whether you’re a patient, a caregiver, a donor, or simply curious about the world of organ transplantation, you’ll hear expert advice and inspiring journeys of hope, resilience, and second chances.

About our Host

Candice Coghlan is the Education & Outreach Coordinator at the Centre for Living Organ Donation at the UHN Ajmera Transplant Centre. She is also a board member for the National Kidney Foundation and a kidney transplant recipient. After she was diagnosed with kidney failure in her early 20s, she was on dialysis until receiving a transplant from her mother.

Have questions? Comments? Ideas for an episode? Please reach out to the Centre for Living Organ Donation at livingorgandonation@uhn.ca. Thanks for spending your time with us.

The views and opinions expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Toronto General or University Health Network.