2018 TGLN Advocates in Action Award
Dennis Segatto
As a Kidney recipient, Dennis has been a strong and passionate advocate promoting organ and tissue donation in the Windsor area and beyond, for the past 40 years, since his first kidney transplant in 1979. He is the co-founder of the Windsor Essex Gift of Life Association started in 2013, and with a group of dedicated advocates including his wife Niva, do incredible outreach work in the community. Dennis climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro with two local friends in July 2015 to raise awareness and created a documentary following their journey, to promote organ transplantation and healthy living. Through his participation and involvement in advocacy, Dennis has been consistently proving that there is normal life after transplant. Dennis is the recipient of the 2018 TGLN Advocates in Action Award, in the “individual category” in recognition for his valuable contributions towards promoting the cause of organ and tissue donation and transplantation.
2018 TGLN Advocates in Action Award
Tina and Joel Proulx
Tina, a double-lung transplant recipient and her husband Joel are inspiring and passionate organ donor advocates. Tina was 31 when she learned she would need a double-lung transplant to save her life, and subsequently received her transplant on December 2, 2015. Before Tina even received her transplant, she and Joel advocated for organ donation and for affordable housing for those on the transplant waitlist. In 2018, Tina and Joel took on the leadership of the Ottawa Gift of Life group and have been tirelessly working together to encourage Ontarians to register as organ and tissue donors. They demonstrate outstanding leadership skills, and their amazing eclectic group of advocate team members feel valued, appreciated and motivated to further promote the cause under their leadership. Tina and Joel Proulx are the recipients of the 2018 Advocates in Action Award in the group category for their role as ambassadors for the cause of organ donation and transplantation and their impact in the community.
2017 TGLN Advocates in Action Award
Shillane Labbett
Since receiving a double-lung transplant in 2005 after a life-long battle with cystic fibrosis, Shillane has grown into a fierce and friendly advocate for organ and tissue donation awareness. Having built close relationships in her hometown of Kingston, she is an active volunteer with the Transplant Advocate Association, liaises with the Kidney Foundation and the Queens University Blood Team and is a familiar face at information booths at malls, universities, county fairs, and hospital events. Shillane is one of the first recipients of the 2017 TGLN Advocates in Action Award, in recognition of her contributions to organ and tissue donation and transplantation.
2017 TGLN Advocates in Action Award
Arlene Lindsay
Arlene has been an advocate for organ and tissue donation awareness for over 25 years. As a long-time volunteer and leader of the York Region Gift of Life Association, she planned Newmarket’s first Gift of Life Walk. Arlene and her team advocate through the Gift of Life Bowling tournament, the Aurora Street Festival, the Stouffville Strawberry Festival and most recently in the local Santa Claus Parade. Arlene works tirelessly to promote organ and tissue donation and received the 2017 TGLN Advocates in Action Award in recognition of her role as an ambassador for the cause.
2017 TGLN Advocates in Action Award
Krista Connor
Krista was first inspired to become an advocate for organ and tissue donation after her father received a kidney transplant in 1987. Her efforts drew even closer to home when she discovered she had inherited her father’s kidney disease, receiving her own gift of life from a deceased donor in January 2016. As a passionate high school science teacher, Krista created a donation awareness educational tool almost 10 years ago that has been shared with hundreds of high school students in the Niagara region. Krista received the 2017 TGLN Advocates in Action Award for her extraordinary impact in her community and the future of donor registration.
Join Your Local Advocate Group
TGLN supports many wonderful organ and tissue donation advocate groups across the province. Each group has a dedicated leader who is waiting to hear from you!
These passionate community leaders will provide insight into the types of volunteer opportunities they have on the go, and can keep you in the loop about upcoming meetings or information sessions that may help you decide the best way to participate.
Click here to access a list of all existing advocate groups in Ontario
Don't see an established group in your area? Click here to download an Advocate Orientation Pakage to learn how to start your own group
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions!
Share Your Personal Story
Storytelling is an important part of promoting awareness of organ and tissue donation. Personal stories shared by brave donor families and grateful organ and tissue recipients are compelling and emotional. These touching and inspiring accounts help us discuss donation and transplantation in a persuasive way.
TGLN has developed an Advocate Storytelling Toolkit specifically for organ and tissue donation awareness advocates. This interactive workbook accompanies our orientation package. We encourage all advocates to incorporate first-person narratives into raising awareness about organ and tissue donation.
Every story makes a big impact on increasing registration rates across Ontario.
Click here to access a copy of the Advocate Storytelling Toolkit
The Touchpoint is a newsletter for anyone interested in organ and tissue donation and transplantation in Ontario. We feature personal stories, celebrate advocate activities, share news and ways you can get involved, and provide key facts to dispel common misconceptions about donation. SUBSCRIBE today!
