If you’ve ever watched someone you love battle organ disease, you know the quiet strength it takes. I see you. I’ve lived it. For over 18 years, my mom, Bonnie, has been on dialysis because of renal disease. She’s the kind of person who carries the weight for everyone else—even when her own shoulders are tired. Bonnie isn’t just the heart of our family; she’s a pillar in our community here in Quesnel.

While facing her own medical challenges, Bonnie didn’t retreat—she reached out. She founded a kidney foundation chapter right here in the Cariboo, connecting people who felt lost and giving them hope that life with renal failure is possible. She even created a guidebook that’s now used by the local GRB Memorial Chronic Disease Management team. Her passion and care ripple far beyond our town with having spoken at the BC Legislature on Kidney Disease and Organ Donation. She’s stood beside countless health warriors, offering guidance and comfort—sometimes celebrating victories, sometimes grieving losses—but always showing up.

Now, it’s time for us to show up for her.

I’m in the final stages of testing to donate my kidney—or join the pairing program—to make sure my mom gets the transplant she deserves. Why now? Because Bonnie has never once let her family feel the weight of her illness. She gave us space to live and grow, and now that I have my own beautiful children and have settled back in our town, I’m ready to step forward.

Bonnie is the closest thing to a superhero I’ve ever known. Most people couldn’t survive, let alone achieve ways to thrive, through nearly two decades of dialysis—but she has. Until now. Recently, doctors discovered her heart is under stress from years of fluid buildup. It’s a stark reminder that life can change in an instant—and that we need to act today.

As we move toward surgery, we face a new challenge: the cost of testing and the lengthy post surgery stay in Vancouver (minimum of three months). While some financial support exists, it won’t cover everything. That’s why I’m reaching out to you—our incredible community, friends and family. Every donation, no matter how small, will help give Bonnie the gift of freedom and life. If donating isn’t possible, even sharing this message can make a world of difference.

Let’s rally together and help her step into her next chapter—a chapter filled with health, happiness, and hope.

If you or your loved ones are going through renal disease, please know there is support behind you and people who care.

Learn more about resources and support at https://www.bcrenal.ca/.

Interested in becoming an organ donor? Sign up today—it costs nothing to save a life.

Register here: https://register.transplant.bc.ca/.