N.B. woman never expected to have to fight to donate kidney to cousin in Ontario

incisions, and most donors are back to their normal activities within a few weeks.

Smith is cautiously optimistic. “I try not to get my hopes up too much because there’s always that chance that something could go wrong or that she might not be able to donate for some reason,” she said. “But I’m just so grateful that she’s willing to go through all of this for me.”

McKenzie-Sutter said she feels privileged to be able to potentially save her cousin’s life. “It’s an amazing feeling to know that I might be able to make such a huge difference for someone I care about,” she said. “I just hope everything goes smoothly from here on out.”

She also hopes that her story will shed light on the challenges faced by those trying to navigate the healthcare system without a family doctor. “It shouldn’t be this difficult for people to access the care they need, especially when they’re trying to do something as important as donating an organ,” she said.

For now, McKenzie-Sutter is focused on preparing for the upcoming tests and making sure she’s in the best possible shape for the surgery. She’s grateful for the support of her family and friends, and she’s looking forward to the day when she can finally give her cousin the gift of a new kidney.

As for Smith, she’s taking one day at a time, trying to stay positive and hopeful that the transplant will be successful. “I know it’s not a guarantee, but just knowing that Susannah is willing to do this for me gives me so much hope,” she said. “I just have to trust that everything will work out in the end.”

The journey ahead may be challenging, but both cousins are determined to see it through. And in the end, they hope their story will inspire others to consider becoming organ donors and to advocate for better access to healthcare for all.