Debbie’s Selfless Act: Becoming a Living Organ Donor for Her Son

Debbie’s Story

Debbie’s transplant journey began with the birth of her second child, Matt, who was born ten weeks premature at BC Children’s hospital. Shortly after birth, Matt experienced extreme bowel complications. He was given intravenous nutrients, which caused Cirrhosis of the liver and, ultimately, liver failure. Matt’s mother, Debbie, advocated tirelessly on his behalf and only then was she able to get the liver transplant assessment in motion. Both Debbie and Matt flew to London, Ontario, where Matt underwent a transplant assessment and Debbie a match assessment. After strenuous testing, Debbie was considered a perfect match as a living donor for her son and the transplant process began. Debbie was one of the first living donors of a parent-child transplant in Canada, as it was typically preferred to use a cadaveric donor due to the risks for the living donor. Since Matt’s initial transplant, Debbie has been back in the operating room with Matt 45 times for various surgeries and procedures.

Debbie describes this journey as “mind-blowing, full of fear, anxiety, and full of blessings” and emphasizes that “you can never imagine that journey, ever, unless you go through it with your child. 

Challenges and Coping 

Debbie recounts the most challenging part of this journey as “the unknown.” Along the way, Debbie and her family feared for Matt’s life and grieved the loss of his health. Debbie also reports experiencing survivor guilt, as other children in the NICU with Matt passed away. Debbie developed PTSD from the trauma during Matt’s medical journey and acknowledges that this is still a reality for her today. She describes her greatest coping skill from this journey as going into “rock mode” and taking time by herself to process and prepare herself for the road ahead. Denise, Debbie’s mom, was also by her side from the moment Matt was born. She witnessed and supported Debbie through the toughest days of Matt’s life, encouraging Debbie not to give up hope. Miracles happen, she would say.

This journey undeniably affected other members of Debbie’s family as well. Her daughter Tayvie, born 22 months after Matt, struggled with the fear of losing her brother and suffers from PTSD due to this journey. Tayvie is now an active member of the Children’s Organ Transplant Society and works closely with her mother to help make the organization a success. Debbie’s eldest daughter, Michelle, was Debbie’s medical back-up during Matt’s childhood—being heavily involved in Matt’s care. Michelle then used this experience to motivate her previous work alongside young adults with disabilities. Debbie’s sister Bonnie has also been a heavily involved member of this transplant journey. She has assisted with the start-up of the Children’s Organ Transplant Society and currently serves on the board. 

What Led Debbie to Create the Children’s Organ Transplant Society?

After Matt’s transplant in 1999, Debbie went on to create the Children’s Organ Transplant Society (COTS) and began her journey of advocacy, community, love, and support. Debbie’s mission was to provide information and support to living donors, as there was an evident lack of resources and support groups for transplant families. Through her determination, hard work and commitment to this cause, Debbie began fundraising and was able to host the first-ever Children’s Organ Transplant Society picnic at Prospect Point, B.C. She notes that being an event planner was advantageous but that her lived experiences ultimately led to her success. Debbie also acknowledges that the contributions of her wonderful and supportive family were an indescribable factor to this journey. 

What Do You Wish for Matt?

Through challenging surgeries and complications, Debbie knew that her driving goal for Matt was to give him the best quality of life that she could. At 23-years-old, she hopes that Matt continues on his path and continues to be happy and healthy. She describes Matt as a kind, self-motivated, social, and super neat guy! If she could describe Matt in one word, it would be “zesty.” She exclaims that “Matt has a zest for life!”

Fun fact: Matt has a tattoo that reads “Live Life to The Fullest” with the date of his first transplant anniversary. Debbie’s motto inspired Matt: "the first year is the magic year, and if you can get past that, you’re on your way!” 

Empowering Takeaways from this Journey

Debbie’s most significant takeaway from this experience is the beautiful life that her and her son have built together—in conjunction with their family. This entire experience also led to the creation of the Children’s Organ Transplant Society which has been a gift and has created immense connection and support among transplant families. Debbie remains committed to the mission of the Children’s Organ Transplant Society and works tirelessly to make this organization the success that it is today.