Meet Bob, who was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease in 2010 after a viral infection. His kidney function steadily declined over the next 8 years, and he was hoping to receive a pre-emptive transplant from his sister. They both faced a setback when she was found not to be eligible as a donor, but he maintained a positive attitude when he began peritoneal dialysis treatment in 2019.

PD treated him well, and after 4 years, 7 months and 3 days on PD, Bob at age 72 received a kidney from a living donor through the Paired Kidney Donation Program. This program connects willing but incompatible donor-recipient pairs, allowing them to “swap” kidneys anonymously within a group. He later wrote a letter to this anonymous donor expressing how he was overwhelmed with gratitude for this gift of life.

Bob recovered well after surgery and is now able to live his life to the fullest. He enjoys dinners with family, theatre outings with his wife, swimming with grandkids and spending time at the family cottage.

Bob is now a proud Transplant Ambassador. “Sharing my story one-on-one with those facing a similar situation can provide a sense of hope throughout their kidney journey. Stay positive, you are not alone, it can all work out!”