TORONTO — A Toronto man has an excellent prognosis after receiving a life saving liver transplant, but it was not the transplant his family expected.
Diego Menendez’ cousin, who was hoping to donate part of his liver, was prevented from entering Canada by Canada Border Service Agency officers earlier this month.
Menendez was on the liver transplant waitlist for two years. The lifesaving call that a suitable cadaveric liver was available finally came on Friday.
READ MORE: Spanish liver donor hopeful who was turned back at airport would be welcome in Canada: source
“I was screaming, I was really happy. We just hugged each other and then we started calling family,” said Diego’s sister Lorena Mendendez.
After an eight hour surgery, Diego has started on the road to recovery.
“He looks different, you will see. When you see his eyes, they are a little bit yellow, but not as much. You can actually see his eye colour,” Lorena said. “Diego has green eyes and you can actually see it.”
The family’s thoughts are also with the loved ones of the person who died and had their organs donated. Lorena said they are forever grateful.
“I want to say I am praying, my whole community, my whole church is praying for them for God to give them the peace and strength they need at this moment,” she said.
READ MORE: Chris Alexander responds to case of potential liver donor from Spain turned back at airport
Before the weekend the outlook appeared grim.
Menendez’ cousin was coming to Canada in hopes of being a donor but was turned back at the airport. Michael Cedeño had flown from Spain for further testing to confirm a match.
After Global News aired stories about the refusal to admit Deceno, a source responded and assured Global News that if Cedeno tried to return to Canada he will be permitted entry.
Menendez’ family was amazed by the outpouring of support from complete strangers.
“The doctor actually told me there was a big list of people wanting to donate to Diego,” said Lorena.
READ MORE: Man coming to Canada from Spain in hopes of being a liver donor turned back at airport
That sort of awareness is invaluable to those advocating for organ donations.
Only one quarter of eligible Ontarians have registered as organ donors and there are 1,600 people on the waitlist, according to Trillium Gift of Life Network.
“Every three days someone dies just waiting,” said Ronnie Gavsie, CEO of Trillium Gift of Life Network.
“If we had enough deceased donors no one would die on the waitlist.”
Diego’s family said his goal is to play soccer again by summer, then head off to university to launch the next chapter of his life.
His sister said they will never forget the gift he’s been given.
“This person saved not only my brother’s life but other people too, so I’m really really grateful.”
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