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MJ's Fighting for More Time. A LIVING Kidney Donor Could Change Everything

Learn how to donate and make a difference today.

MJ's Fighting for More Time. A LIVING Kidney Donor Could Change Everything

Learn how to donate and make a difference today.

Every Moment Counts

My name is Mary Jo. I’m a mother, a real estate professional, and someone who has spent the last fifteen years living with deep appreciation for the life I was given. When I was 24, my kidneys failed due to a rare genetic disorder that has affected six members of my family, including my mother and brother. The gift of a deceased donor gave me a second chance, One I never took for granted.

For the past fifteen years, I’ve poured myself into my community, built a career I love, and had the incredible joy of raising my son. That gift allowed me to live, grow, and show up for the people I care about.

But now, the kidney that saved my life is failing.

Because I am blood type O, finding a compatible donor is especially difficult. Type O is the universal donor, but O recipients can typically only receive from another O donor, which often means longer wait times and fewer available matches.

I cannot endure another decade on dialysis, as I did before my first transplant.

So this time, I’m doing something that is hard for me.

I’m asking for help.

Why I’m Seeking a Living Donor

A living donor kidney lasts longer, functions better, and would allow me to receive a transplant before my health declines further. A living donor could mean the difference between years of waiting or having the chance to keep living the life I’ve fought hard for.
Being vulnerable and asking for something so life-changing is difficult. But my desire to live, to continue caring for my son who has cerebral palsy, and to stay present for his future is stronger than my fear of asking.

A living donor kidney would give me the chance to be the mother he needs and the future we both deserve.

how you caN help!

SAVING A LIFE MIGHT BE SIMPLER THAN YOU THINK

💚 1. Become a Living Donor

Donors can live full, healthy lives with one kidney. All medical costs for the evaluation and surgery are covered. You can start by completing a confidential questionnaire — it doesn’t commit you to anything. You can talk to a donor advocate who is just there to support you. You can remain anonymous if you prefer.

If you’re curious about what it means to be a living donor, you can learn more

➡️ Learn About Living Donation

➡️ Be A Donor

➡️ Reach Out to Mary Jo

📣 2. Share Her Story

The more people who see Mary Jo’s message, the greater the chance of finding a match. Share her video on your social channels, at work, or within your community.

If you’re curious about what it means to be a living donor, you can learn more here:

➡️ Share on Facebook

➡️ Share on Instagram

➡️ Share on LinkedIn

WHO CAN DONATE

You may be a potential donor if you:

Are in good overall health
Be 18 years or older. There is no upper age limit.
Willing to do a thorough medical evaluation to ensure donating is safe for you
Decide to donate voluntarily.
You should not feel pressured to donate.
Fully understand everything involved with donating and recovering from this major operation.

Even if you’re not sure you’re eligible, the hospital team can help you figure it out.

What Donors Should Know

Donors can live full, healthy lives with one kidney
All medical costs for the evaluation and surgery are covered
You can start by completing a confidential questionnaire — it doesn’t commit you to anything
You can talk to a donor advocate who is just there to support you
You can remain anonymous if you prefer

Where I’m Being Treated

I am under the care of the transplant team at St. Michael’s Hospital.

If you or someone you know is willing to explore kidney donation, the team there can guide you through every step — confidentially and without any obligation.

How to Explore Becoming a Donor

Becoming a living kidney donor starts with a simple, private screening process. It is confidential, non-binding, and handled directly by the transplant team — not by me.

At St. Michael’s Hospital, the first step typically includes:

1. Initial Screening Questionnaire

A short online or phone assessment to verify basic medical compatibility.

2. Blood Type Check

Because I am type O, an O donor is required.

3. Medical Evaluation

If the initial screening looks good, the hospital guides you through health testing to make sure donation is safe for you.

4. Support Every Step of the Way

Potential donors receive counseling, education, and full medical support.
All medical costs for the donor evaluation and surgery are covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at mjvradis@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

What if I’m not blood type O?

Even if you’re not a direct match, you can still help by donating through the paired exchange program, which matches multiple donors and recipients. You canalso share my story. Many successful transplants happen because someone forwarded a link or mentioned a patient to a friend.

what is the paired donation program?

Being one of the largest living donor transplant programs in Canada.
Participation in national Kidney Paired Donation Program.
An expert team of surgeons who can perform keyhole donor surgery for a faster recovery. Minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgery allows for a shorter hospital stay, less pain and a quicker return to employment for living donors.
Living donors have come from many countries around the world to donate their kidney.
Innovative options, even if your donor isn’t an exact match. We are the only transplant centre in North America offering blood group (ABO) incompatible transplant with Glycosorb®. Patients can receive a kidney from their living kidney donor even if the blood type is incompatible, with success rates comparable to other living donation transplants. Glycosorb® immunoadsorption is a unique technology that avoids complications associated with older techniques.

Is donating a kidney safe?

Most donors return to regular activities within weeks and go on to live full, healthy lives with one kidney. The transplant team ensures that donation is medically safe for every approved donor.

Do donors pay for any medical costs?

No. All testing and medical expenses related to the donation are covered by the transplant program. In many cases, travel and lost wages may also be eligible for reimbursement.

Can donation be anonymous?

Yes. Donors can choose to remain completely anonymous if they prefer.

MJ's Fighting for More Time. A LIVING Kidney Donor Could Change Everything

MJ's Fighting for More Time. A LIVING Kidney Donor Could Change Everything

Every Moment Counts

THE JOURNEY THAT BROUGHT ME HERE

Why I’m Seeking a Living Donor

my whole heart

my reason for fighting

how you caN help!

WHO CAN DONATE

How to Explore Becoming a Donor

Frequently Asked Questions

Inside the Black Market Organ Trade

From My Heart💛

Contact Mary jo

Contact Mary jo

She would love to answer any questionS you may have!

📩Contact Mary Jo today 📍Location: Toronto, ON

Send an Email!

MJ's Fighting for More Time. A LIVING Kidney Donor Could Change Everything

MJ's Fighting for More Time. A LIVING Kidney Donor Could Change Everything

Every Moment Counts

THE JOURNEY THAT BROUGHT ME HERE

Why I’m Seeking a Living Donor

my whole heart

my reason for fighting

how you caN help!

WHO CAN DONATE

How to Explore Becoming a Donor

Frequently Asked Questions

Inside the Black Market Organ Trade

From My Heart💛

Contact Mary jo

Contact Mary jo

She would love to answer any questionS you may have!

📩Contact Mary Jo today 📍Location: Toronto, ON

Send an Email!

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