Organ Donation
Organ donation saves lives and restores health. A kidney transplant is
not a cure, but represents the best possible improvement to health and
quality of life for many people living with kidney failure. The only
other life-sustaining treatment option is dialysis to artificially
clean the blood.
The need for organs for transplantation is
far greater than the available supply. As of December 2007, 4195 Canadians were
on a waiting list for a transplant. Of those, 2963 (71%) were
waiting for a kidney. Waiting times vary from a few months to several
years, depending on a variety of factors. Click here for more statistics on organ transplantation and waiting times.
The Kidney Foundation of Canada is working with representatives from
healthcare, industry and government to improve organ donation rates.
The Foundation encourages Canadians to make a positive decision
regarding organ donation and to discuss their wishes with their family.
Many programs and services are available to organ donors and recipients. For more information select your region to see your local Organ Donation page or contact your Kidney Foundation Branch Office.