Support with a Spare: Ava & Allison’s Transplant Journey
Ringette Ontario recently learned about a beautiful display of community, resilience, and the deep bonds that form through our wonderful sport. As we head into the holiday season, we wanted to share the heartwarming story of Ava and Allison as a reminder that everyone has the ability to change someone’s life.
As told by Allison:
In early October, something truly special happened: Ava and I returned to the ice together for the first time since our transplant journey began.
In May 2024, I donated a kidney to Ava, one of my daughter’s friends and a player I’ve coached for many years. Ava joined my ringette team to play U10, and from that moment, our lives became intertwined both on and off the ice. We’ve shared the bench season after season, and when kidney failure made it difficult for her to keep playing, it was heartbreaking to watch her step away from the sport she loves.
After learning that I was a match, I made the decision to “share my spare” with Ava and the transplant took place on May 23, 2024. Her recovery was full of ups and downs, and on Christmas Eve, Ava received a diagnosis that would change her path again: post-transplant lymphoma, a rare complication that occurs in only 2% of transplant patients.
Ever the fighter, Ava faced chemotherapy with strength and grace. This past May, she rang the bell, marking the end of her treatment.
Stepping back on the ice together for the first time since the transplant felt like a full-circle moment. Ringette is what brought us together, and it has been the backdrop to this entire journey - from coach-player to kidney donor-recipient, and now, back to the game we love.
If I can leave people with one message from this experience, it’s that you can change someone’s life and still maintain your own good health.
Right now, more than 4,000 people in Canada are waiting for a kidney or liver transplant, both of which can come from living donors. As the campaign so beautifully says, “Great Actions Leave a Mark.” My scars will forever remind me of the life I was able to change through the gift of donation.
The process leading up to my surgery was incredibly smooth. The dedicated team at the UHN Living Donor Program guided me through every step with compassion, professionalism, and care. Becoming a living organ donor has been one of the most meaningful decisions of my life, and I would encourage anyone who’s curious to explore this extraordinary opportunity to save and transform a life.
https://www.uhn.ca/transplant/living_donor_program
https://www.greatactions.ca/contact
Our experience highlights how the sport of ringette fosters lasting connections and community beyond the game itself. Ava is a fighter, and it’s been an honour to be part of her journey.
Ringette Ontario would like to thank Ava and Allison for allowing us to share their transplant journey.
