About four months ago, I received the most precious of all gifts – the gift of life. At the time, I was suffering the effects of 38 years of insulin dependency and diabetes. As a result of the disease, both my heart and kidney’s were badly damaged.

My organs were in such bad shape, in fact, that I could no longer summon the energy to work or spend time with my family. I also had to give up my responsibilities as a health and safety activist and educator with my union – work that I loved and which gave extra meaning to my life.

Thankfully, the doctors were able to perform a quadruple bypass operation that repaired the damage to my heart. But nothing could be done for my kidneys – they needed to be replaced. Without a transplant, I faced the prospect of ongoing weakness – and even an early death.

My health crisis was a profoundly emotional and frightening experience. It forced me to take a long hard look at my life and my priorities. But it also brought me face-to-face with the problems facing Canada’s organ transplantation program. Before my physical condition deteriorated, I’d never really given much thought to the issue of organ transplants. I simply assumed that transplant operations were performed whenever they were necessary.

But as a patient waiting for a new kidney I learned quickly that things aren’t that simple.

For example, I learned that there are currently more than 3,700 Canadians waiting for organ transplants that could enhance or even save their lives.

More importantly, I learned that there aren’t nearly enough organs available to meet the need. As a result of this shortage, 147 people died last year before they could receive transplants.

As it turned out, I was one of the lucky ones. After my doctors realized how badly my kidneys were damaged, I was placed on a transplant waiting list administered by the national HOPE program – an acronym that stands for "Human Organ Procurement and Exchange".

While I waited, my two sisters each offered to donate a kidney – but both were rejected as incompatible. This was disappointing news, but not surprising. Like the vast majority of people on transplant waiting lines, I would have to rely on the generosity of strangers. In order to guarantee that I would be available whenever a compatible organ became available, I was given a telephone pager and told to keep it with me at all times.

And then I waited. The call that changed my life came on April 28, 2001 – ironically the same day that union members set aside each year to commemorate workers who have been killed or injured on the job.

Looking back, it is still difficult for me to put into words the emotion I felt at that moment – and still feel today. Somebody had died tragically in a motor vehicle accident. But because that person and their family had consented to organ transplants, I have been given a new chance at life.

The rules of the HOPE program require that the identities of all donors remain anonymous. So I’ll never be able to stand in front of my donor’s family. I’ll never be able to tell them about the change the transplant has made in my life. I’ll never be able to tell them that something good has come from their personal tragedy. And I’ll never be able to thank them for their selflessness and generosity.

Like most other transplant recipients, I am truly awe-struck by the courage of donors and families. And like most other recipients, I feel a need to acknowledge the tremendous gift that I’ve received by "giving something back".

For me, I intend to "give back" in two ways. First, I intend to use my new-found energy to return to my work as a union health and safety activist. I’ve been given a second chance to help people – and I don’t intend to waste it.

The second thing I’ve pledged myself to do is spread the word about organ transplants. I want everyone in the labour movement to know about the shortage of organs. I want everyone to know the difference they can make in the lives of all those people currently waiting on transplant lists.

So, please, after reading this article, consider organ and tissue donation. Sign your donor card and carry it with you at all times. And please, discuss your wishes with your family so that they are aware of your decision. Remember that your act of kindness could save the lives of many others. Your signature and your consent is the most generous gift you can ever give.