Giving the gift of a lifetime

By Brandon Walker

In 2018, Lakehead alum Sarah Kielek-Caster (BASc’13) learned that she needed a kidney transplant after a workplace injury.

Doctors diagnosed Sarah with chronic kidney disease caused by accidentally inhaling organic solvent due to a malfunctioning fume hood at Sarah’s former workplace. 

Around the same time, another Lakehead alum, Megan Perin (BASc/BEd’15), heard singer Selena Gomez discuss receiving a kidney donation from her friend, actor Francia Raisa. After doing some research, Megan decided to become an angel donor—someone who donates an organ to a stranger.

“I knew it was something I felt comfortable doing for someone, so I decided to look online to see if anyone was in need of a kidney,” Megan explains, who attended Lakehead Orillia’s concurrent education program, majoring in interdisciplinary studies with a focus on psychology and anthropology. 

That’s when Megan saw a GoFundMe post looking for a donor—written by Sarah’s sister. 

Sarah will never forget when her sister called to say they had a potential donor. A few weeks later, the transplant coordinator at the Toronto General Hospital confirmed that Megan was a match. 

“I was in complete disbelief that a total stranger was willing to save my life,” Sarah says. “I still cannot begin to articulate my feeling of gratitude for Megan and her decision to donate an organ to me.” 

After the surgery, it took Sarah four days to learn how to walk again and two days after that she was able to leave the hospital. 

Megan was glad to help. “I always feel like my best self when I help someone out in any way—so I was proud of myself for being there for her.” 

Although they were strangers before the surgery, Megan and Sarah have since become friends. 

“I couldn’t be happier to have her in my life,” Sarah says, adding that she is now healthier than she’s ever been. 

Sarah, who earned an Honours Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in interdisciplinary studies at Lakehead Orillia, is currently working as a program analyst with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. 

“Because of Megan’s decision, I can enjoy all aspects of my life and take nothing for granted.”

Megan, who’s now teaching kindergarten at the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board, was in hospital for three days after having one of her kidneys removed. Two weeks later, she felt normal—so normal that she hiked the trails at Algonquin Provincial Park.

If you’re thinking about being an angel donor like Megan, “Don’t be afraid to get the facts about organ donation,” she says. Megan did a lot of research before deciding to donate a kidney. “If it feels right to you, then do it.” 

She also informed her immediate family members of her decision. Megan encourages Alumni Ezine readers to register to donate their organs and tissues after they die. 

“My perspective is that when you’re gone, you have no use for your organs. Whereas thousands of people in Canada would be so grateful for a chance at a normal, long, and happy life. One organ can really make a big difference.”  

Today, in Ontario, there are over 1,600 people waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. This is their only treatment option, and every three days someone will die because they didn’t get their transplant in time.

You can help by registering your consent for organ and tissue donation. Go to: https://beadonor.ca/