The selfless decision to donate a portion of one’s own liver is a profound act of compassion, one that carries immense personal risk and sacrifice. Yet for 40-year-old Sara from Calgary, this was a call she felt compelled to answer.
Sara initially applied to be a living liver donor for her cousin who was suffering with autoimmune hepatitis, and she found she was a match. During the medical evaluation, she didn’t anticipate the stress of traveling to Toronto for the life-changing surgery.
Fortunately, Sara’s transplant team at UHN introduced her to Hope Air, a charitable organization dedicated to providing free flights and accommodations for Canadians in need of critical medical care. “My experience with Hope Air was incredibly easy. I couldn’t believe how seamlessly they were able to provide everything I needed – the transportation funds, the hotel stays, meal vouchers and the flight back home. It was a weight lifted off my shoulders during an already stressful and emotional time.”
For Sara, the significance of Hope Air’s assistance cannot be overstated. “I’m privileged to still be able to work and provide for myself, but so many people battling illness struggle to maintain their livelihood and shoulder the immense financial burden of traveling for treatment. Hope Air is an absolute necessity in Canada, making life exponentially easier for those in rural areas who can’t easily access the care they so desperately need.”
With Hope Air’s support, Sara was able to focus solely on her courageous act of being a living donor, without the added stress of navigating the daunting logistical and financial obstacles. Her profound gratitude for the organization’s life-changing work is a testament to the vital role Hope Air plays in ensuring all Canadians have access to the critical medical care they deserve. “I’m not sick, I do have a job and can work, I couldn’t imagine those who do have an illness having to travel, it would make making ends meet a lot more difficult and stressful”
The selfless decision to donate a portion of one’s own liver is a profound act of compassion, one that carries immense personal risk and sacrifice. Yet for 40-year-old Sara from Calgary, this was a call she felt compelled to answer.
Sara initially applied to be a living liver donor for her cousin who was suffering with autoimmune hepatitis, and she found she was a match. During the medical evaluation, she didn’t anticipate the stress of traveling to Toronto for the life-changing surgery.
Fortunately, Sara’s transplant team at UHN introduced her to Hope Air, a charitable organization dedicated to providing free flights and accommodations for Canadians in need of critical medical care. “My experience with Hope Air was incredibly easy. I couldn’t believe how seamlessly they were able to provide everything I needed – the transportation funds, the hotel stays, meal vouchers and the flight back home. It was a weight lifted off my shoulders during an already stressful and emotional time.”
For Sara, the significance of Hope Air’s assistance cannot be overstated. “I’m privileged to still be able to work and provide for myself, but so many people battling illness struggle to maintain their livelihood and shoulder the immense financial burden of traveling for treatment. Hope Air is an absolute necessity in Canada, making life exponentially easier for those in rural areas who can’t easily access the care they so desperately need.”
With Hope Air’s support, Sara was able to focus solely on her courageous act of being a living donor, without the added stress of navigating the daunting logistical and financial obstacles. Her profound gratitude for the organization’s life-changing work is a testament to the vital role Hope Air plays in ensuring all Canadians have access to the critical medical care they deserve. “I’m not sick, I do have a job and can work, I couldn’t imagine those who do have an illness having to travel, it would make making ends meet a lot more difficult and stressful”