50 years of living donor transplants marked by the gift of life between sisters

It’s been 50 years since Mary Ann received a kidney from her sister Margaret in one of LHSC’s earliest living kidney donations. Sean Irvine reports.

The gift of life from one sister to another a half century ago was celebrated Wednesday as LHSC marked a major milestone in organ transplantation.

As a ceremony was held, Mary Ann Crossett gave loving care to her sister Margaret Reardon who is battling Alzheimer’s disease.

But 50 years ago, it was Margaret who gave Mary Ann the gift of life.

The sisters, who grew up in Aylmer, Ont., were among the first to benefit from the multi-organ transplant program at LHSC in 1975.

“I’m so grateful to have my sister. She’s been so special and still is,” said an emotional Mary Ann.

There are thousands of success stories in the decades since that successful transplant. A few of those examples packed an auditorium to mark the anniversary.

More than one-third of transplants at LHSC are made possible thanks to living donors.

Past recipients, current and retired doctors, nurses and program staff came together to thank them all.

“Do I think I could do it [give the gift of life]? You know what, some days, yes, some days no. It’s incredible! I am in awe of you!” said Dr. Alp Sener.

50 years on, the appreciation of the gift continues between two sisters.

“It was hard on her. But she was never sorry she did. She always said, ‘I would do it again, Mary Ann. I would do it 100 times,” Mary Ann recalled Margaret saying in the past.

It is a message she hopes other potential donors will hear.

After all, the gift of life is now made with less risk and fewer scars than it was half a century ago.

Dr. Tony Jevnikar, a transplant surgeon, believes new and future innovations hold promise.

“We will be able to eliminate some forms of kidney disease; there is no doubt. At some point, we won’t need to rely on kidneys from either living or deceased donors.”

But until then, donors are needed to give the ultimate gift to grateful recipients.

“I feel very lucky, or fortunate, whatever word you want to use. And I intended to live to 100,” shared Mary Ann.