A father of three from Regina is making a heartbreaking public plea.
With a disease attacking his only remaining kidney, Jonathan Kalmakoff is in desperate need of a transplant and it has led him on a mission to stress the importance of organ donation.
Kalmakoff and his daughters have a close relationship. They talk about everything: school, friends, hobbies, and organ donation.
In 2002, he was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease, which has affected every aspect of his life.
"Chronic, regular fatigue, and that's meant that I've been no longer able to work full-time and it's certainly created challenges for being a single father of three children." said Kalmakoff.
In 2017, the disease shut down his kidneys and he had to start dialysis while he waits for a transplant.
"While it keeps me alive, it keeps me going. It's not a substitute for a full-functioning kidney." said Kalmakoff.
He says it's because of his children that he stays strong and positive.
"My kids have certainly been there emotionally and they've also stepped up their game around the house to help out and help with their little brother and jobs and errands and if anything its really brought our family together." said Kalmakoff.
Katie is Jonathan’s oldest daughter.
"Gained a lot of respect for him and how he's handling and how well he's doing, but he's still the same person to me." said Katie.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority says the average wait time for a patient in need of a kidney from a deceased donor is just over two and half years.
"The deceased person doesn’t need those organs, but they can be given to help give the gift of life to up to seven other people to keep them alive; and that's a phenomenal thing to keep in mind." said Kalmakoff.
Anyone can get tested to see if they are a match to be a donor. The health authority says aside from the risks of surgery, living kidney donors can still lead long, healthy, productive lives.
Kalmakoff's blood type is AB+, making him a universal recipient, which is good news because he says dying of kidney disease is not in the cards for him.
"If everyone just checked off to be an organ donor when they were 18, so many people's lives could be saved so much easier. He could have a new kidney by now if everyone did that." said the man’s oldest daughter.
And it’s conversations like that that could ensure Jonathan is around to watch his children grow.
