WATCH: Camille Ross interviews Andy Bowers and Stephen Evans about their organ donation story.
MONTREAL — When Stephen Evans showed up at his doctor’s office because of leg pain, he never thought the diagnosis would be fatal. But it was terminal kidney failure.
“My kidneys were functioning at two per cent, I should have been dead,” said Evans.
He was immediately put on a waiting list to receive a kidney transplant.
But on the day he was diagnosed, his nephrologist urged him to take action, suggesting: “You need to go fast and furious, you need to find someone who will donate an organ to you.”
What can I do to help?
It was then that his friend, Andy Bowers stepped in.
“How can I help?” he asked.
Two months later, in December 2013, Bowers was being tested for compatibility. It was a match — and a year ago today, April 20, 2014, the two underwent surgery.
“I knew the risks were really low, and I had also seen the incredible effects it can have, so it wasn’t that hard of a choice, I promise you,” Bowers said.
“It was scary.”
“I had to talk to the family about the possible outcomes — but when you look at the potential benefits, it was worth doing.”
Bowers was humble about his feat, but Evans said he is determined to make sure his friend gets proper credit for what he did.
“He is being way more English than he could be. He is totally understating everything,” he said.
“They guy stepped up, went through some incredible testing and gave me an organ that saved my life and gave my family our life back.”
The two are now getting ready to participate in the World Transplant Games in Argentina this August.
Getting others to donate
According to the Canadian Transplant Society, an overwhelming majority of Canadians support organ and tissue donation, but less than 25 per cent of people have actually made plans to donate.
Bowers and Evans want to change that.
They are now using the situation to raise awareness about organ donation with their A sign of a hero campaig, which encourages Canadians to sign their organ donation cards.
Global News has also embarked on a campaign of its own. Starting Monday, April 20, Global News wants to help sign up 48,000 people across Canada to become organ donors.
To sign up for the campaign, visit Liveon.ca.
How to become an organ donor in Quebec
There are three steps to take to become an organ donor in Quebec:
- Sign the RAMQ consent form
- Put the sticker on the back of your health card
- Record your decision with the Chamber of Notaries
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