'It's a gift': Corner Brook mother and son reflect on kidney transplant, 25 years later

A mother and son in Corner Brook celebratingaspecial anniversary this monthsay itsa good momentto encourage more people to become an organ donor.

Aug.19 marked25 years since Jonathan Snow received a kidney transplant in 1991, donatedfrom his mother Kathleen Snowwhen he was just20 years old.

Looking back, he said hemay not have grasped the full significance of what his mother was doing for him.

"I think you just assume when you're young, and your Mom is just going to do whatever she needs for you. Looking back now, it's something that I greatly appreciate," he said, adding the only thing that still stands out from the day of his transplant all those years ago was a wish to show his gratitude to his mother.

"What I remember is, when I came out [of surgery], I said to my Dad, 'Could you buy some flowers to thank her?'"

Sicker than he knew

It was only by coincidence that Snow found out about his kidney troubles, after some routine bloodwork while applying to university tests that came back indicatinghis kidneys weren't functioning properly.

Snow did go to university, but his kidney function kept declining, to the point where he was told he needed dialysis after his second year of studies.But Snow still didn't accept how serious his health condition was.

"At the time, I didn't think I was that sick," he said.

Hisfamily didn't grasp it either.

"I think he was a lot sicker than we actually realized, or than I actually realized, because he was functioning. It's just that he wasn't functioning well,"said Kathleen Snow.

In the summer of 1991, Snowwas constantly tired.But he continued to play baseball, although he can remember the turning point when he realized he was seriously ill: on thediamond, after he hit a double down the right field line.

"I slid into second, and I was totally exhausted, and I couldn't believe it. And I remember thinking, 'I can't believe how sick I am'," he recalled.

Making a match

When Jonathan'skidneys reached the point of him requiring either dialysis or a transplant as soon as possible, his family immediately started the process of being tested to see if someone was a match to donate a kidney.

That revealedboth Jonathan's mother and sister were a match.But his sisterLisawas still in her 20s and had not yet had children, so it was decidedKathleen wouldriskundergoing thesurgery and give a kidney, a donation she saidshe never questioned.

Despite some initial setbacks, the surgery was a success but the Snows realize how lucky they were to have matchedwithin their family, and want to emphasize the importance of being an organ donor.

It's important for families, even though everybody's in good health, to talk about donating.- Kathleen Snow

"I think it's important for families, even though everybody's in good health, to talk about donating, if it becomes a possibility in the future," said Kathleen.

"So often, it happens when there's been a death in a family, and people are distraught, they're upset, they're full of grief. But this is something that can be done to help others. And, the recipient, their life is changed. They have a life."

'It's a gift'

For Jonathan, getting back to normal life included a return to university and becoming a teacher.

"It's made my life totally different. I've been very fortunate that I never went on dialysis," he said.

Snow has also continued his love of athletics, as a coach in the minor baseball program in Corner Brook, and also as a school basketball coach.

"When I coach, because of what's happened to me, I appreciate all kids and all athletes who attempt to play sports, because you don't know what they've gone through so, if you have that in the back of your mind, that helps."

• Live organ donors a rarity in Canada

And Kathleen has no regrets for the sacrifice she made for her son.

"It's a gift. Everyday is a gift. I have a son that's active, that's a tremendous person, and that's what it's all about."