ABOVE WATCH: Calgary resident and current Mrs. Canada, Angie Shilliday is about to change Vince Ditrich’s life. Global’s Stefan Keyes reports.
CALGARY – Calgary resident and current Mrs. Canada, Angie Shilliday, is about to change Vince Ditrich’s life. Ditrich was diagnosed with kidney failure two years ago, and only a transplant could save him.
Ditrich has recently been undergoing long dialysis sessions several days each week. After two years of continuous dialysis, the drummer for the Spirit of the West is close to seeing his lifelong friend and 2014’s Mrs. Canada winner earn approval for donation.
Shilliday has been friends with Ditrich for over 20 years, after she married the drummer’s childhood friend.
“It’s like she’s given me a boost because my battery died,” Ditrich said.
“Nothing clears the mind like a death sentence.”
With a pile of pictures next to another stack of paperwork, Shilliday remembered stories of their early days.
“I am ecstatic. It’s been a long road and finally it’s here,” said Shilliday. “I just can’t wait for him to be healthy and back on his feet.”
She first thought of becoming a candidate in March, when she called Ditrich and noticed his mood was different than usual. After learning of his situation, Shilliday asked for more information about being a donor. At first, Ditrich refused.
But Shilliday continued doing research and getting tests. Now, after months of examination, Shilliday may get the green light within the next couple of weeks. To her, it’s an easy decision.
“I was born with two healthy kidneys, he wasn’t. Friends share!” she said.
This is not the first time the band members faced medical conditions. In 2014, singer John Mann was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
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