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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.