Spanish liver donor hopeful who was turned back at airport would be welcome in Canada: source

TORONTO — Michael Cedeño, a young Spanish man hoping to be a liver donor for his cousin, would be welcome if he decides to try to come back to Canada, a source has told Global News.

Toronto resident Diego Menendez has been on the wait list for a liver transplant for two years.

READ MORE: Man coming to Canada from Spain in hopes of being a liver donor turned back at airport

Cedeño, his cousin, was coming to Canada to undergo testing to see if he would be a match when he was stopped at the Toronto Pearson International Airport by border officials and sent back to Spain.

A source tells Global News that the Canada Border Services Agency is now well aware of the case, and should Cedeño decide to come back to Canada, he would not have any problems getting in.

Diego’s sister Lorena Mendendez said the news is comforting, and as difficult as this ordeal has been, a lot of good has come of it.

READ MORE: Chris Alexander responds to case of potential liver donor from Spain turned back at airport

“I feel relieved, not only because Michael can come now but because since we put the word out, many people have come forward, wanting to be a donor,” said Menendez.

“It makes me feel happy that Diego’s situation can bring awareness of just how many people just die on the waiting list every day.”