Devon Clayton and Melissa Hanssens have been friends for as long as they can remember.
The pair first met in Grade 1 and have supported each other through many life-changing moments. But it’s their latest adventure that speaks volumes about their love for each other.
Thirty-five year old Clayton has been living with kidney failure for the past 15 years and Hanssens is donating one of hers to her best friend.
“Actually being the match?… it’s quite, quite overwhelming but I was prepared for it,” Hanssens told Global News.
“I had been preparing for it for the past decade and a half that if she needed a kidney and mine was good for her, she could have mine.”
Living with kidney failure has been more than draining on Clayton.
“By the end I wasn’t even able to put my daughter to bed at 7:30 p.m., I was already asleep before she was.”
Daily life has been a struggle for Clayton and when her health care team told her she was in need of a kidney transplant, her family and friends volunteered and in the end Hanssens was the perfect match.
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Sitting side-by-side, Clayton expressed what the donation means to her.
“I’ve never been able to put into words how amazing it is that you would even consider doing this for me and putting yourself through this for me… I’m just grateful. Thank you just isn’t enough.”
The life saving surgery took place at St. Paul’s hospital only two weeks ago. Both women are now at home and doing well. For Clayton, her quality of life instantly improved.
“I feel amazing. I have so much energy. It’s only been nine days and I’m able to read stories to my little girl and put her to bed.”
Clayton knows this is not a cure but it’s a chance to live longer and share her life with family and friends. They are also hoping their story will inspire others to give the gift of life.
“It’s overwhelming thinking about the future and all the things we get to do,” Clayton said.
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~ with files from Jennifer Palma
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