National Organ and Tissue Donation week is April 18-24. A Sexsmith resident is helping to bring awareness to the cause.  Alicia Hiebert, is no ordinary young woman. She is an organ recipient. Alicia was diagnosed with a genetic illness at birth with a missing enzyme in her liver.  

Alicia had a rocky childhood including not being able to eat a lot of foods. She also couldn’t work because of her illness and was unable to live a normal life. As she got older, things began to deteriorate very quickly. She was put on the national donor list in 2018.

Her younger brother was a match, but during the surgery complications occurred and her doctor had to quickly find another donor. She was put at the top of the list and a liver donor was found in Toronto.   

After 8 months into recovery, Alicia now says she can do what she wants.  

“I have a future beyond the next 12 months that I can now plan for. I just get my life back. I get to live again and I'm so grateful for that opportunity. I'm so grateful for everything that they've given me.” 

National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week raises awareness about the critical need for more donors across the country and encourages Canadians to register their decision and to talk to their loved ones about organ donation. You can sign your donor card when you renew your driver's license. To get more information about organ and tissue week go to Canadian Blood Services. 

 

Alicia with her family

Photo Submitted by Alicia Hiebert