University of Alberta Hospital honours organ donors
Posted April 21, 2025 3:07 pm.
Last Updated April 21, 2025 8:03 pm.
The University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton is now flying a new flag honouring the sacrifice made by over 300 Albertans who donated organs and skin tissue to save the lives of others in 2024, and the many others before them, who gave those in need a second chance at life.
“I was at both my brother’s and sister’s weddings. I have a beautiful niece and nephew that I just love more than anything in this world, and we celebrated my grandmother’s 98th birthday on the weekend, and I’ve been here for all of it,” said Reaghan Manyluk, who received life-saving kidney and pancreas transplants.
With a new lease on life, Manyluk advanced her career as an elementary school teacher in Edmonton and hopes others will consider donating.
“I’m just so thankful that that family thought that someone else could benefit from that and donate life to someone like me,” she explained.
Alberta’s 317 deceased organ and tissue donations last year are a new annual record for the province.
However, there are still about 500 more people praying for a lifeline, according to the Alberta Health Services Organ and Tissue Donation Program.
“It’s important to remember (donation) is not something to take for granted,” says Give Life Alberta Medical Director Dr. Andreas Kramer. “Often we have to have these conversations at a difficult time in patients’ lives, or their families’ lives, and we’re just really grateful that so many Albertans are willing to make that decision.”
Adding one organ donor can save up to eight lives, and their tissues can save 75 more.
“These families take their worst day, and somehow, use it to make a best day for someone in need,” said Dr. Dennis Djogovic, the medical director of Give Life Alberta Organ Donation North.
This flag will be flown outside the hospital’s 112 Street entrance for two weeks only throughout the year — one week in April for National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week and again in September for Living Donor Week.
Albertans can register to become a donor online through the AHS website or at a motor vehicle registry office. It is encouraged to tell your loved ones about your donation decision.