When a loved one is on life support and the end is near, there is no easy way to say goodbye. But in those final, heart-wrenching moments, some families choose to turn their pain into purpose.
Organ donation does not ease the loss—but knowing their loved one helped save other lives can bring a sense of meaning amid the sorrow and give comfort to a grieving family.
Unfortunately, not every organ donation goes as planned. Once life support is withdrawn, a person may continue to live for minutes, hours or even days. Medical teams are on standby but sadly, there are situations when the timing falls outside the window for organ donation to proceed.
“If the patient doesn’t pass within approximately 30 minutes after life support is withdrawn, the liver can no longer be used for transplantation, and the liver transplant team will leave,” says Dr. Gord Boyd, a neurologist and critical care physician at Kingston Health Sciences Centre.
One-third of consented DCD (donation after circulatory death) candidates do not proceed as they do not die within established time limits for organ viability.
This heartbreaking reality is something health-care professionals have been striving to change.
With the high demand for organs and long wait times, every transplant matters.
That’s where the Donation Advisor program comes in.
This innovative artificial intelligence program is designed to help improve the success rate of organ donation by using patient’s clinical information to better predict the time of death. The goal is to ensure more donors can successfully give the gift of life, preventing missed opportunities and reducing the secondary loss experienced by families who had hoped their loved one’s legacy would live on through donation.
Dr. Boyd has seen firsthand how difficult and complex organ donation can be.
“There are many factors that can make or break an organ donation,” says Dr. Boyd. “Donation Advisor has the potential to streamline the process, ensuring that patients who wish to be donors can actually follow through with that wish.”
To help fund this groundbreaking initiative, the YGK Healthcare Champions are hosting a special fundraising event, Banding Together, a concert that will bring the community together in support of Donation Advisor. Taking place on June 20 at The Broom Factory (305 Rideau St.), the event will feature Old Docs New Tricks, a band composed entirely of Kingston doctors with a passion for music.
Dr. Boyd, who plays in the band, has a deep love for music that predates his medical career. Before becoming a doctor, he grew up studying the piano and playing in a rock band. While medicine ultimately became his calling, he never let go of his musical roots.
“Music has always been a part of my life,” he says. “It’s a privilege to be able to combine that love with a cause I believe in so strongly.”
Banding Together will be a night of entertainment, connection and philanthropy, offering attendees the chance to enjoy live performances while supporting a cause that could change the future of organ donation.
“It’s going to be a great night,” Dr. Boyd adds. “And knowing that every ticket sold helps fund a program that could save lives makes it even better.”