Okanagan RCMP detachment makes organ donor appeal after officer falls seriously ill

| April 23, 2019 in Okanagan

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An Okanagan RCMP detachment has appealed for people to sign up to be organ donors after one of its officers fell ill and now faces the possibility of needing a transplant.

A Vernon North Okanagan Mountie suddenly became sick while in the Lower Mainland for a course several weeks ago.

He was later diagnosed with viral cardiomyopathy, a heart disorder.

The officer has been in intensive care since falling in and requires assistance for his heart to function.  

Photo credit: RCMP

“Our colleague, who is a husband and a father of two young children, has been desperately battling for his life,” RCMP Cst. Kelly Brett said.

“Staff within the North Okanagan RCMP have truly stepped up to the plate. Although we can’t physically be there to help our colleague, we want to show our support by taking two minutes out of our day to register as organ donors or check our current registration status.

“It is an unfortunate reminder of the importance of organ donor registration, as our friend and colleague faces the possibility of a heart transplant in the very near future.”

The detachment is now challenging all first responders and the communities they serve to sign up to be organ donors.

Leanne Appleton, provincial executive director of BC Transplant, said one organ donor could save up to eight people’s lives.

She added: “We know the vast majority of British Columbians are in support of organ donation so we urge everyone to take two minutes and register their decision, then have the conversation with their family.”

To register, head to taketwominutes.ca.

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