Organ donors in N.L. are rare, and this advocate wants to see legislative changes to fix the problem

Jonathan Hickman, a middle-aged man from Newfoundland and Labrador, has a powerful story to tell about his life-changing kidney transplant. In January 2015, Hickman received a kidney donation from his sister, a selfless act that has had a profound impact on his life.

Hickman emphasizes the importance of educating people about organ donation, highlighting the fact that it can truly change someone’s life. Thanks to his sister’s generosity, Hickman has been able to witness significant milestones in his children’s lives, from high school to university to working in the family business.

Born with damaged kidneys due to reflux, Hickman always knew that a transplant would be necessary for his survival. Fortunately, his mother, brother, and sister were all matches, and his sister ultimately donated her kidney to him, saving his life in the process.

Despite being one of the fortunate recipients of a kidney transplant, Hickman is acutely aware of the challenges faced by many others in need of organ donations. In Newfoundland and Labrador, the number of organ donors has remained low, with fewer than five people donating organs so far in 2025.

As the director of the Canadian Transplant Association in Newfoundland and Labrador, Hickman is committed to raising awareness about organ donation and increasing the number of donors in the province. He advocates for an “opt-out” program similar to Nova Scotia’s presumed consent law, which has led to an increase in donors in that province.

Proposed changes to the Human Organ and Tissue Donation Act in Newfoundland and Labrador aim to improve organ donation rates, but the timing of these changes remains uncertain. Health Minister Krista Lynn Howell acknowledges the importance of promoting organ donation and recognizes the need for more donors to save lives.

Hickman’s personal journey has inspired him to participate in the World Transplant Games, where he competes to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation and the possibilities of life after transplantation. His story serves as a reminder of the life-changing impact of organ donation and the hope it brings to those in need.

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