Provincial Volunteers Committee

Tom Awad - Windsor, ON

Volunteer Profile
Provincial Volunteer Committee member, Canadian liver Foundation member, Canadian Transplant Association member, community events organizer.

Years Involved
Five and counting

Connection to the Cause
Tom received a liver transplant in 2002 at the age of 60 at London's University Hospital. Now he spends most of his time playing sports and staying active, while also promoting organ and tissue donation awareness.

Inspired Volunteer Leadership
Tom is an active volunteer in the Windsor area. He is the co-founder of Sport-Fest Windsor (www.sportfestwindsor.org), a non-profit organization using sporting tournaments and cultural events to advance organ and tissue donation.

Words of Wisdom
"I am a proud former member of the Windsor Games Committee for the 2008 Canadian Transplant Games. Pencil in the date August 9-14, 2010 for the Canadian Transplant Games taking place in Quebec City."

Carla Borton - Thunder Bay, ON

Volunteer Profile
Provincial Volunteer Committee member, heart and double-lung transplant recipient.

Years Involved
Four and counting

Connection to the Cause
Carla received a heart and double-lung transplant in 2005. After living for 22 months in Toronto on the waiting list, she is dedicated to raising awareness of the need for more transplant organs and tissues.

Inspired Volunteer Leadership
Carla volunteers for the Trillium Gift of Life Network, lending her experience and energy to many local events including the Organ Donor Awareness Run, Transplant Garden of Hope and Thunder Bay's Living Green Ribbon. She has also participated in the Canadian Transplant Games in Edmonton, as well as mentored heart and lung patients on the transplant waiting list.

In 2007, Carla succeeded in her dream of returning to her career at Bombardier Transportation in Thunder Bay where she is now the Bids Coordinator.

Carla is also a member of the Bombardier Communications Committee which actively fundraises and raises awareness for those less fortunate in the community. Deserving organizations include the Emergency Shelter, Boys & Girls Club, and Camp Quality among others.

Words of Wisdom
"My vision is to see the choice of organ and tissue donation as the norm for all people. By living well, enjoying life as much as possible and being open about my Gift of Life, I hope that I can help to alleviate any trepidation about giving or receiving organs or tissues."

Andrea Clegg - Cambridge, ON

Volunteer Profile
Provincial Volunteer Committee member, Founder and Chairperson of Life Donation Awareness Association of Midwest Ontario, Volunteer for Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation, CTA member, and Heartlinks member.

Years Involved
Two and counting

Connection to the Cause
Andrea was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy at 24 years old and was told only a year later that she would need a heart transplant. Since a suitable heart was not available in time for Andrea, the medical team at Toronto General Hospital implanted the mechanical heart as a bridge to transplant. As Andrea waited for a heart to become available, she continued to promote organ and tissue donation tirelessly. After fourteen months, Andrea's life was saved for the second time with the generous gift of heart.

Inspired Volunteer Leadership
Andrea started her work to promote organ and tissue donation in the media with a beautiful piece on Global 16x9. She then spent time learning about the cause working with TGLN at events around her community.  With inspiration and support from other strong volunteers, Andrea decided to start a group in the Region of Waterloo and Wellington County called Life Donation Awareness Association of Midwest Ontario (LDAA). LDAA provides presentations to community groups and religious organizations, organizes and hosts registration drives, media articles, community parades, and much more.

Words of Widsom
"Initiating an awareness group in my community has been a powerful and rewarding experience. The people I have met and am lucky to work with are a true inspiration and a testament to the success of organ and tissue donation. Valuable lives are saved by the kindness and selflessness of organ donors and their families."

Gary Cooper - Thunder Bay, ON

Volunteer Profile
Provincial Volunteer Committee member, "Run for Life" event organizer, speakers' bureau presenter.

Years Involved
Six and counting

Connection to the Cause
Gary, who has received two liver transplants, one in October 1996 and another in June 2010, is an active volunteer in Northern Ontario. He has a long list of accomplishments promoting awareness and public education of organ and tissue donation within his community.

Inspired Volunteer Leadership
Gary helped to establish the Northwestern Ontario Liver Transplant Services (NOLTS); the group provided support to recipients and donor families, as well as financial assistance for northern liver transplant recipients. THe NOLTS is no longer operating, so Gary has now dedicated himself to TGLN's efforts to promote organ and tissue transplantation. Most recently, he was successful in having the City of Thunder Bay provide no-cost pagers to local area residents awaiting transplants.

Words of Widsom
"Over the last five years, I have worked with local nurses to organize the annual "Run for Life" - Family and Friends Walk for Organ Donation Awareness which is held in April."

Shirley Douwes - Peterborough, ON

Volunteer Profile
Provincial Volunteer Committee member, donor family member, community events organizer, Living Green Ribbon organizer.

Years Involved
Three and counting

Connection to the Cause
Shirley's first experience with organ donation came after the tragic death of her youngest daughter, Lisa, who was only 20 years old. Shirley consented to donating Lisa's organs and tissues because when Lisa was alive, her daughter often mentioned the importance of organ donation. It gave Shirley great comfort knowing that Lisa helped to extend and improve the lives of many individuals with her generous gift.

Inspired Volunteer Leadership
Since becoming a volunteer, Shirley has managed a booth at the International Plowing Match in Keene to raise organ and tissue donation awareness. She's also started a support and donor awareness group in her area. Shirley organized a Living Green Ribbon at her daughter's grade school and has given many presentations to promote the cause. For the last two years, she has entered a Christmas tree at the Peterborough Festival of Trees with a special organ and tissue donation theme.

Words of Wisdom
"Tragedy has led to hope, peace and strength as my daughter Lisa's legacy lives on."

Patti Jo Duggan - Sault Ste Marie, ON

Volunteer Profile
Provincial Volunteer Committee member, liver transplant recipient, speakers? bureau presenter.

Years Involved
Two and counting

Connection to the Cause
I entered the amazing world of multi-organ transplantation on Boxing Day 2004 when I was admitted to the London Health Sciences Centre's Multi-Organ Transplant Unit. At this point, my health was spiraling downward and my liver rapidly failing. Treatment options were dwindling, and my very existence hung by a mere thread of hope - hope of a liver transplant. I am humbled to report that I most fortunately did receive a life sustaining gift - an incredible Gift Of Life - and as a result have relished and enjoyed five healthy years because someone, somewhere decided to be an organ donor.

Inspired Volunteer Leadership
"I am inspired to share my amazing story to promote conversation and to encourage others to consider organ and tissue donation and to be proactive with their informed choice. Trillium Gift of Life Network has provided the tools necessary to accurately present the facts to raise awareness and keep people up-to-date with the changes and advancements of this important issue."

Words of Wisdom
"I have a deep admiration, respect and love, accompanied by an immeasurable gratitude for the donors and their family members who have given me this present second chance to continue to live my life and remain with my family."

Loveen Kaur Gill - Brampton, ON

Volunteer Profile
Provincial Volunteer Committee member, Founder and volunteer with Amar Karma Organ Donation Society.

Years Involved 
Five and counting

Connection to the Cause
Loveen lost a childhood friend who was waiting for a kidney transplant. After several encounters with people who suffered from the lack of available organs for transplant, she decided to spread awareness about the importance of organ donation by involving communities and families.

Inspired Volunteer Leadership
Loveen is the founder of Canada’s first South Asian organization that is dedicated to creating awareness of the need for organ donation called Amar Karma Organ Donation Society (“Amar” means eternal and “Karma” means actions). The group is works to organize various events such as seminars, walks, and speech competitions on a monthly basis to educate the community about organ donation.
“There is a global shortage for organs, and we must not ignore this thought as diseases come around without a notice. I or my loved ones can be on the wait list one day, who knows? Death is inevitable and we do not choose disease, it comes our way. I aspire to connect the youth throughout the world to pool in the energy to normalize the concept of recycling ourselves to benefit entire human race. Everything in this world has a potential to be recycled why should we hesitate to leave a legacy after us?  I see no reason as to why humanity should suffer when we all have help at our hands; the process is very simple, just to register yourself as a donor."

Words of Widsom
"Moon said to me,” there is no one like you, be proud.” So I do."

Phil Goodwin - Oshawa, ON

Volunteer Profile
Provincial Volunteer Committee member, CAW member, General Motors Workplace Partnership Ambassador, community events organizer.

Years Involved
Six and counting

Connection to the Cause
In 2002, Phil received a kidney and pancreas transplant. After his transplant, he was able to return to work. There, Phil collaborated with TGLN to develop a workplace partnership with GM and his union, the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW). Through this innovative partnership, workers receive information about organ and tissue donation as part of their union awareness classes. Phil actively attends CAW conventions/conferences and raises awareness for organ and tissue donation by sharing his story.

Inspired Volunteer Leadership
Phil has been active in raising public awareness through public speaking and other workplace events. Phil addressed conventioneers at the Canadian Labour Congress, Ontario Federation of Labour and audiences at the CUPE national convention. He is actively involved in conducting donor registration workplace drives with his colleague Lisa Whiteman. Together they encourage fellow employees to become organ and tissue donors.

Words of Wisdom
"I was so grateful when I received my new kidney and pancreas. I really wanted to get involved and give something back. The way I choose to give back is through volunteering my time to raise awareness of organ and tissue donation to people anywhere and everywhere I go."

Alyshia Van Veen - Keswick, ON

Volunteer Profile
Provincial Volunteer Committee member, Canadian Transplant Association (CTA) member and speakers’ bureau presenter.

Years Involved 
One and counting

Connection to the Cause
In July 2010, Alyshia’s father, Malcolm, was in a car accident and sustained a critical brain injury. He was six months shy of his 50th birthday. After learning he would never awake from his injuries, Alyshia and her family chose to withdraw life support but not before fulfilling Malcolm’s life-long wish of becoming an organ donor. Through donating his lungs, two kidneys and corneas, three lives were saved and two more were enhanced.

Inspired Volunteer Leadership
Since becoming involved with Trillium Gift of Life Network, Alyshia has worked with two hospital-based Organ and Tissue Donation Coordinators to promote the message of organ and tissue donation through videos and speaking presentations. She and her siblings were featured in the Toronto Star as part of a series on organ and tissue donation, and she has written several articles, which have appeared in local community newspapers in the GTA. Her father’s story was also entered into the 2011 DonateLife Hollywood Film Festival where it was one of six featured films.

Words of Wisdom
“Honouring my father’s wishes and donating his organs didn’t just change the recipients’ lives – it changed mine. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think of my dad, the recipients and his incredible legacy. It gives me great comfort knowing that because of my father's gift, three other families have their husbands, sons and fathers. Every one of us has the power to save lives and become a hero, just like my dad – all we have to do is register our consent.”  BeADonor.ca

Pam Logan - Ottawa, ON

Volunteer Profile
Provincial Volunteer Committee member, and community events organizer.

Years Involved 
Eight and counting

 Leanne McDougall - Ottawa, ON

Volunteer Profile
Heart transplant recipient, donor family member, Provincial Volunteer Committee member, transplant recipient speaker, special events volunteer and NOTDAW planning committee member. Past President of the Heart Transplant Association, Ottawa Heart Institute and former member of the Kidney Foundation of Canada, Eastern Ontario Chapter.

Years Involved
20 and counting

Connection to the Cause
Leanne was born with a serious heart defect that caused her to spend much of her childhood in hospital. On a spring morning in 1989, thanks to the generous gift of a stranger, she finally received the healthy heart she had longed to have for so many years. She became active in organ and tissue donation awareness shortly thereafter. Another connection: In 2008, her step-son Steve became a multi-organ donor at the age of 38 after suffering a brain aneurysm.

Inspired Volunteer Leadership
After receiving her new heart, Leanne started volunteering with MORE Ontario, speaking to dozens of schools, church and community groups about the miracle of organ donation. Leanne is a former member of the Organ Donation Committee of the Kidney Foundation of Canada and has been instrumental in the launch of their Speakers' Bureau. She has also been a leading force in the Living Green Ribbon events over the past five years.

Words of Wisdom
"I am most proud of being a co-founder of the Living Green Ribbon events. I always assume, when speaking to a group, that there is both a donor family member and a potential recipient sitting in the crowd - and quite often, I'm right."

Susan Morrison-Weir - Sarnia, ON

Volunteer Profile
Provincial Volunteer Committee member, Donor Family Advisory Council member, and Sarnia Organ Donation Awareness group member.

Years Involved
Twenty and counting

Connection to the Cause
Sue and her husband Bill were high school sweethearts. They married in 1988 and share 2 awesome children, Alexander and Victoria.In August 1998, Susan’s husband, Bill, passed away unexpectedly. Sue is forever grateful for the opportunity she was given to donate Bill's organs. Bill's Gift of Life to others has become a gift to me. Something she feels strongly about has now become a passion and given her purpose.

Inspired Volunteer Leadership
Sue has had the privilege of being able to participate in a few of the organ and tissue donor awareness activities undertaken by the Transplant Program at London Health Sciences Centre. This including sharing her story with senior students at several high schools in London, at the dedication ceremony for the Garden of Life in downtown London and participation in the high school curriculum. She also volunteered with the Sarnia Organ Donor Awareness Group, as the Director of Education and Communication, for many years.

Words of Widsom
"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart. All the world is full of suffering. It is also full of overcoming. Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” Helen Keller

Rizwana Ramzanali - London, ON

Volunteer Profile
Provincial Volunteer Committee member, kidney and pancreas recipient, speakers' bureau presenter, community events organizer.

Years Involved
Five and counting

Connection to the Cause
Rizwana had been an insulin-dependent diabetic for 28 years and struggled with chronic renal failure. She was on dialysis for seven years. She was listed for a multi-organ transplant, and waited with bated breath for the call to come from the hospital. When she finally received her transplant, Rizwana was overjoyed.

Inspired Volunteer Leadership
After her transplant, Rizwana feels a responsibility to share her story in the hope that she will inspire others to give the Gift of Life. Rizwana has delivered presentations on organ and tissue donation for diverse audiences. Her story has been included in the Ontario based high school curriculum called "One Life...Many Gifts."

Words of Wisdom
"I am determined to continue sharing my positive experience with the public about organ and tissue donation. By doing so, I hope people will consider enhancing the lives of those in need by giving the Gift of Life."

Rita Richardson - Smiths Falls, ON

Volunteer Profile
Provincial Volunteer Committee member, Canadian Transplant Association member, and current president of Transplant Advocate Association (formerly OETSG).

Years Involved 
Eight and counting

Connection to the Cause
Rita’s husband Denis received a heart transplant on September 8, 1992.  Immediately following Denis’ transplant they realized how incredibly fortunate they were and felt the need to give back. Together they began a journey of promoting organ and tissue donation. Organ Donor awareness volunteer activities continued with Transplant International, Organ Donation Ontario (ODO), Multiple Organ Retrieval and Exchange (MORE), and Trillium Gift of Life, since its inception. Her commitment remains unabated; assisting in literally hundreds of organ and tissue donor awareness events such as organizing an info booth at the International Ploughing Match,  and at numerous service and fraternal club meetings and conventions.

Inspired Volunteer Leadership
Rita’s active participation in the promotion of organ donor awareness came from her awareness of the constant need for organ and tissue donors. With Denis, she mentored heart patients on the transplant list at Toronto Hospital and actively participated in Heartlinks. During that time in the 90’s one half of the people they mentored received a transplant and one half died while waiting. After moving to Eastern Ontario in 2000, Rita supported the Living Green Ribbon, and Ceremonies of life in Ottawa.  Becoming a member of OETSG provided a vehicle to continue creating an awareness of the need for organ and tissue donors and the opportunity to educate the public about registering their consent to be a donor.

Words of Widsom
"I am ever grateful to the donor, and to the donor family who made it possible for my husband to live, and for me to share life with him, my soul mate and best friend. This quote sums up my feelings and explains why I continue to encourage everyone to become a donor and perhaps save a life. “The life of the individual only has meaning insofar as it aids in making the life of every living thing nobler and more beautiful. Life is sacred, that is to say, it is the supreme value to which all other values are subordinate.” - Albert Einstein

Eddie Sabat - Richmond Hill, ON

Volunteer Profile
Provincial Volunteer Committee member, heart transplant recipient, HeartLinks team member, speakers' bureau presenter.

Years Involved
Six and counting

Connection to the Cause
When he was 18 years old, Eddie was diagnosed with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. From that point, he was no longer able to play the sports that he loved, hockey and soccer. As his heart was failing, Eddie felt short-of-breath all the time and was unable to walk even a short distance without stopping for a rest. In February of 2003, Eddie received his life-saving heart transplant. Just days after his surgery, Eddie was able to breathe again. He experienced a new world filled with the hope and promise that he could again live a normal life.

Inspired Volunteer Leadership
When he was 18 years old, Eddie was diagnosed with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. From that point, he was no longer able to play the sports that he loved, hockey and soccer. As his heart was failing, Eddie felt short-of-breath all the time and was unable to walk even a short distance without stopping for a rest. In February of 2003, Eddie received his life-saving heart transplant. Just days after his surgery, Eddie was able to breathe again. He experienced a new world filled with the hope and promise that he could again live a normal life.

Words of Wisdom
"I have been incredibly lucky and will forever be indebted to my donor and my donor family for the difficult decision that they had to make. As such, I have dedicated myself to promoting organ donation, so that the many others that are waiting might one day experience this miracle."

Merv Sheppard - Waterloo, ON

Volunteer Profile
Provincial Volunteer Committee member, Toronto General Hospital (TGH) Lung Transplant Support Group member, Canadian Transplant Association (CTA) member, speakers' bureau presenter.

Years Involved
Five and counting

Connection to the Cause
Merv Sheppard was a drug rep for 25 years and the Continuing Medical Education Manager with Wyeth. He was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in October of 1999 and was in end-stage respiratory failure. Merv received the "Gift of Life" of a single-lung transplant in April of 2002. He will be forever grateful for his second chance at life and now is an advocate for organ and tissue donation awareness and transplant research funding.

Inspired Volunteer Leadership
Merv is a dedicated advocate, fundraiser and supporter of organ and tissue donation. He volunteers extensively with TGLN and works closely with TGH as a fundraiser for their lung transplant program. Merv has hosted galas, organized golf tournaments, and run bake sales to keep TGH's lung transplant program vibrant. He shares his personal story with the public at health fairs, support groups and conferences. Merv is also an avid blogger on his "Transplant Network" which has over 60,000 supporters.

Words of Wisdom
"What doesn't kill you makes you stronger and braver and motivates you to give back and do good for life."

Dale Shippam - Thunder Bay, ON

Volunteer Profile
Provincial Volunteer Committee member, speakers' bureau presenter, community events organizer.

Years Involved
Six and counting

Connection to the Cause
In 1999, Dale received the gift of a new heart after his own was damaged by a virus. After his transplant, he was able to return to active firefighting 13 months later. Dale has travelled and been on expeditions to Antarctica (Mount Vincent), Nepal (mount Mera), Spain (Camino de Santiago), and British Columbia (West Coast Trail). He is currently training for a ski expedition to the North Pole in April with Dr. Heather Ross of the Toronto General Hospital.

Inspired Volunteer Leadership
Dale has been active in raising public awareness of the importance of organ and tissue donation through public speaking and other events in the Thunder Bay area.

Words of Wisdom
"My trips across the world help to prove that transplant recipients are able to lead more than just normal lives...they are able lead extraordinary lives."

Jane Tucker - London, ON

Volunteer Profile
Past Chair of the Provincial Volunteer Committee, heart patient awaiting a transplant, representative on the London Health Science Centre (LHSC) Organ Donor Awareness Committee, President of the London Transplant Gift of Life Association, Canadian Transplant Association member, Living Green Ribbon Organizer.

Years Involved
14 years already within my journey

Connection to the Cause
Since 1995, Jane has been actively involved in education and raising awareness about organ and tissue donation. She has been a patient in the LHSC transplant program since 1994, and is still being assessed for a heart transplant.

She works hard to give every patient every chance for a life-saving transplant, while at the same time striving to honour the lives of donors and donor family members for their life-saving gifts.

Inspired Volunteer Leadership
Jane has a long list of accomplishments related to educating and promoting public awareness of organ and tissue donation. In November 2001, she founded the London Transplant Gift of Life Association (LTGOLA), and serves as the organization's President. Jane has led a successful public campaign to maintain the cardiac transplant program at LHSC. She was also instrumental in initiating and completing the Gift of Life donor quilt and albums, and the Gift of Life recipient quilt and albums, which are the first of their kind in Canada.

Words of Wisdom
"I am profoundly passionate and blessed to participate within the process of promoting organ and tissue donation. Transplant awareness results in more lives being saved and enhanced. I am forever thankful that I have the opportunity within my meaningful life's work - it is passionately embedded within my soul."

Jocelyn White - London, ON

Volunteer Profile
Provincial Volunteer Committee member, Donor Family Advisory Council member.

Years Involved
Four and counting

Connection to the Cause
Jocelyn's husband and life partner, Dave White, died on March 16, 2006 while awaiting a heart transplant. Since he was only 41 years young and otherwise very healthy, his family were able to donate several of his organs. Instead of being an organ recipient, Dave became an organ donor. On top of that, Dave's sister, Debbie, is a heart transplant recipient, currently residing in BC. She received her heart over 16 years ago.

Inspired Volunteer Leadership
"Dave and our children, Jaynel and Jordan, are truly my inspiration for volunteering. Sharing our story, opening lines of communication for others to discuss such a topic, is the best way I can think of to honour Dave's memory. I needed 'good' and 'positive' to somehow overcome the most painful situation of my life ? raising awareness helps to accomplish that goal. Demonstrating to our children that it's OK to carry on, it is OK to be happy - it's OK to LIVE - is so very important to me."

Words of Wisdom
"Life: Live it, then give it! Talk to your family. Register your wishes. Visit www.recycleme.org."