This is what Leslie does for a living….although not a nurse like Karen and Rob in this tragic story about Emerson, Leslie’s role with BC Transplant is just the same.  Educated as a social worker, now trained clinician in organ donation….we are proud to post this story of a mother and father who unexpectedly had to say good-bye to their son.  Leslie sees this almost every time she is on call…people say “how do you do it?” 

What makes her job bearable with all the tragedy and sudden deaths are families like Emerson’s.  And just as important is knowing colleagues of hers in other Provinces are being praised for their hard work, devotion to donation and families.  Families mean so much to us at BCT and obviously to organ donation specialists/coordinators no matter where.

Please read and register to be a donor where you live.  This is one of the most poignant posts we have ever posted.

Thanks.

“When the time came for my last farewell, I can tell you the knowledge he was going into organ donation surgery gave me great strength. I whispered to him how much he was loved by his mother, by his brothers and sister. I told him that his final act in life was incredible and inspiring. And then I turned my back and walked out of his hospital room, pausing for one last glimpse of my son.

This is the story of Emerson’s organ donation.”

Emerson Curran, who was killed in Yellowknife during the weekend of August 24-25, 2013

Photograph by: Jillian Gummo