Trillium Gift of Life Network (TGLN)
Champion Award Series (2012-2019)
2019 Trillium Gift Of Life Network Champion Award
Jennifer Monteith
In 2007, Jennifer Monteith was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and in 2010 she received her lifesaving heart transplant. For the past nine years, Jennifer, who is also a mother and business owner, has devoted much of her time to promoting organ and tissue donation. "I am thrilled to be able to share my continued gratitude any opportunity I get. The gift of a second chance in this life, is very, very special to me."
2018 Trillium Gift Of Life Network Champion Award
Janet Parr
In 2012, Janet Parr received a lifesaving heart transplant and has since been an active member of the Life Donation Awareness Association of Kitchener, Cambridge, Waterloo & Guelph advocacy group. Janet received the 2018 TGLN Champion Award for leading the charge for organ and tissue donation and transplantation awareness in her community. She fostered strong relationships with local leaders, planned countless awareness activities like registration drives, executed a highly successful sign campaign during BeADonor month, and much more.
2017 Trillium Gift Of Life Network Champion Award
Joanna and Ryley Mitchell
Joanna and Ryley Mitchell received the 2017 TGLN Champion Award for their dedication to promoting organ and tissue donation. Beginning their journey after Ryley received a heart transplant at the age of 7 months, they have dedicated the past 13 years to volunteering at awareness events and sharing their story with the media. Joanna also sits on the Executive Committee of the Life Donation Awareness Association of Midwest Ontario while Ryley regularly participates in the Canadian Transplant Games.
2016 Trillium Gift Of Life Network Champion Award
Kim LeBlanc and Dave Allingham
In 2012, two individuals were unexpectedly impacted by organ donation: Kim LeBlanc’s 15-year-old son became an organ donor after succumbing to injuries resulting from an accident and Dave Allingham, a father of three who had been living with a Bi-Ventricular Assist Device (BiVAD) finally received his gift of life – a new heart. Kim and Dave received the 2016 TGLN Champion Award for their tireless support for, and promotion of, organ and tissue donation across Ontario.
2015 Trillium Gift Of Life Network Champion Award
Sandra Holdsworth
In 1997, Sandra Holdsworth received a life-saving liver transplant and has since devoted herself to promoting organ and tissue donation. As a volunteer with Trillium Gift of Life Network since its inception and as the Ontario Provincial Director for the Canadian Transplant Association, she has planned and participated in hundreds of awareness events. Sandra also worked with a dedicated team to bring the Canadian Transplant Games to Toronto in August 2016.
2014 Trillium Gift Of Life Network Champion Award
Emile and Beth Therien
In 2006, Emile and Beth Therien’s beloved daughter Sarah Beth became the first donor after Death by Circulatory Determination (DCD) in Canada. Since that time, they have been active and outspoken advocates in keeping donation and transplant at the forefront in the media. Emile and Beth received the 2014 TGLN Champion Award for their extraordinary impact on organ and tissue donation and transplantation in Ontario.
2013 Trillium Gift Of Life Network Champion Award
Merv Sheppard
At 65, Merv Sheppard became the oldest lung transplant recipient in the history of Toronto’s UHN program. He worked tirelessly to promote organ and tissue donation and received the 2013 TGLN Champion Award in recognition of his role as an ambassador for the cause.
2012 Trillium Gift Of Life Network Champion Award
Hélène Campbell
Hélène Campbell became the first recipient of the TGLN Champion Award, in recognition of the extraordinary impact on organ and tissue donation and transplantation in Ontario.