Pay It Forward

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, society has supported each other. We have been shopping locally, supporting small businesses, thanking our first responders, wearing masks to reduce virus transmission, and lending a helping hand when we are able. In the spirit of supporting one another, the David Foster Foundation launched a small campaign to help our transplant families acknowledge their loved ones during this difficult time. Thanks to our donors and partners' generosity, we randomly selected ten DFF families and mailed them each two gift cards from a Canadian company. Along with these gift cards was a letter explaining that we hoped they would use one gift card to buy something for themselves and give the second card to someone who helped their family during their child's transplant journey. DFF's goal was to bring joy to transplant families and the people who have supported them through this incredibly challenging year while granting an opportunity for transplant families to thank their loved ones.

Clara's family chose to give their second gift card to Sol, their family friend. Sol had been assisting the family as both Clara and her father recovered from transplant surgery, as Roberto was Clara's living liver donor. The Foundation is always in awe of the resilience that transplant families, like Clara's, demonstrate continuously. The trials and tribulations of the pandemic have only emphasized the immense strength these families have. However, like every one of us, they cannot do it alone. The Foundation is happy to have provided an opportunity to celebrate transplant families' resilience and those who hold them near and dear.

Paying it forward with Clara! This family gifted their second gift card to their family friend who helped them during their transplant journey.

Canadian Blood Services Donation & Transplantation Facts*

• In 2019, the generous gifts of 1,436 organ donors and their families saved or improved the lives of 3,053 Canadian patients. • There were 8% more deceased donors in 2019 as compared with the previous year, with Canada’s national deceased donation rate increasing from 20.6 donors per million population in 2018 to 21.9 dpmp in 2019. • There were 11% more living organ donors in 2019 as compared with the previous year, with Canada’s national living donation rate increasing from 15.0 donors per million population in 2018 to 16.3 dpmp in 2019. • In 2019, in Canada, there were 822 deceased organ donors and 614 living organ donors. • In 2019, 250 Canadians died while waiting for a transplant, up from 223 in 2018.

• Canada still has a shortage of organs, with 4,419 patients waiting for transplants at year’s end 2019.

*Results as of December 31, 2019.