Team Steve

I'm looking for a living kidney donor.

My name is Steve. I've lived with kidney disease since I was 16, and I now need a transplant. A living donor gives me the best chance at a long, healthy life — and I'd be so grateful if you'd take five minutes to read my story.

65Years young, York Region

42Years married to Cathleen

1Kidney is all a donor needs

See if you could be a match Read Steve's story

Steve walking hand in hand with his granddaughter through a backyard, seen from behind. — Steve and his granddaughter — one of the reasons he's sharing his story.

Steve's story

In his own words.

You may not know that I've had kidney disease for many years, and now I am in need of a transplant.

I have been treated since I was 16 years old and dealing with a nephrologist (kidney specialist) my entire adult life, as a result of medication given to my mother during her pregnancy that negatively impacted the development of my kidneys. In 2019, I was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney disease and was advised by my nephrologist that my best chance to live a long life with a good outcome is to receive a kidney transplant from a living donor. Originally, my doctors anticipated that I would need a transplant or dialysis within 2 years. I've taken great care to live a healthy lifestyle — both diet and exercise — to push this inevitable day off as long as possible. As a result, I've managed to push it off for 7+ years and counting. If I receive a transplant soon, I'll avoid dialysis, which is debilitating and taxing on the body. A living donor kidney also lasts about twice as long as a deceased donor kidney.

I wanted to let you know about my need, and would be grateful if you shared my story. I'm an active 65-year young grandfather, and I want to live. I've been married to the love of my life, Cathleen, for 42 years. We're blessed with one daughter, and I've been privileged to watch her grow up and get married — and I now have a 7-year-old granddaughter. She's the apple of my eye, and I want to be healthy and strong enough to watch her grow up too.

I'm a private person, and I find sharing this personal information very difficult. But I've been urged to do the things that will help a donor find me — and a key part of that is sharing my story, so a potential donor can know about my situation. I'm asking a small team of people I know to be my advocates. Their main role is to help me share my story with others whenever the opportunity arises. If you feel comfortable, I'd be very grateful if you'd be one of my advocates too.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about my circumstances. As you share it with others, please let them know that if anyone is interested in donating, they can get in touch.

People interested in learning more, or in filling out an online assessment to find out if they could be a possible donor, can do so anonymously through the University Health Network's Living Donor Program, or by calling the transplant assessment office at 416-340-5400 to speak directly with a transplant team member about the program and process.

— Steve Cuthbertson

P.S. While living donation isn't for everyone, it also helps to register your consent to donate organs after death with the provincial government, through ServiceOntario or its offices. All that's needed is to be over 16 years old with an Ontario health card. Each person who registers can save up to 8 lives for those on waiting lists.

What living kidney donation actually means

Steve had 7 years to learn about this — and still finds new information every week. Here's what he wishes more people knew.

You only need one kidney to live a long, healthy life.
Your blood type doesn't need to match Steve's. Canada's paired exchange program matches donors and recipients nationwide, which means better matches, longer survival, and lower doses of anti-rejection medication.
Most donor surgery is laparoscopic — done through a few tiny incisions.
Recovery is usually quick, generally around two weeks.
Cost isn't a barrier. A donor's evaluation and surgery are covered by insurance and government funding.
Donors get their own care team — separate from the recipient's — whose only job is to look out for the donor's health and best interests.
The deceased-donor wait list is over 5 years. A living donor changes that timeline completely.
90% of donors first hear about a recipient's need from someone they know, or an advocate sharing their story — which is exactly why Steve is sharing his.

How you can help

There are a few ways to be part of Steve's search — pick whichever fits.

Find out if you could be a match

Learn more or complete a confidential online assessment through the University Health Network's Living Donor Program. Nothing is shared with Steve unless you choose to.

Start at www.uhn.ca/Transplant/Living_Donor_Program/ →

Or call the transplant assessment office directly: 416‑340‑5400

Share Steve's story

Most donors hear about someone's need through a friend, not a stranger. Forward this page, or share it on social media — you might be the reason his story reaches the right person.

Share by email →

Register as an organ donor

Living donation isn't the right fit for everyone — but registering your consent to donate after death takes a few minutes and can save up to 8 lives.

Support Team Steve at the Kidney Walk

Steve is also walking to raise money for kidney research and support programs through the Kidney Foundation of Canada.

Visit Team Steve's Kidney Walk page →

Get in touch

If you'd like to talk to Steve or his family directly — whether you're curious about donating, want to be an advocate, or just have questions — reach out any time.

[email protected]