www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, March 20, 2014 | 16 Big sister says decision to donate kidney an easy one by David Lea Oakville Beaver Staff An Oakville woman reprised her role as a protective big sister by donating her kidney to her ailing little brother. Sandra Blane, 60, was recovering at home in Oakville following surgery, which took place in Montreal, Que., on Jan. 30 and saw her make the amazing gift to her brother Brian King, 54. Blane said the decision to donate her kidney was an easy one. "I think if you can do something to help someone you do it," she said. "I was very lucky we were the same blood type and a perfect genetic match. It just never occurred to me not to do it when he told me how sick he was." Blane said despite she and King being six years apart, they had always been close and she has fond memories of spending sum- mers with him and other members of her family in Prince Edward Island. As the oldest child, Blane said, she was always tasked with keeping King safe by holding his hand when he crossed the street and keeping him out of trouble. "I think I've always had that instinct to protect him since the time I was small," she said. The two stayed in touch as they grew up. Blane said King eventually got a PhD and began teaching at a business school in Montreal. He also married and had three children. "He's just a good person. He's a good father, he's a wonderful husband. He has been with his wife (Louise) since they were 15 years old. He's a great brother," said Blane. "There was just no question in my mind that this is the kind of person you want to help when they have been dealt a really rough card." That rough card came in the form of PolySandra Blane, 60, played the role of big sister by donating a kidney to her ailing little brother, Brian King, 54. | submitted photo SEXUAL ASSAULT & VIOLENCE INTERVENTION SERVICES (SAVIS) OF HALTON · Free anti-violence presentations to businesses/associations/schools · Free confidential counselling · Free 24-hour support line - anyone may call: 905.875.1555 905.825.3622 · Toll free: 877.268.8416 · www.savisofhalton.org cystic Kidney Disease, a genetic disorder King had been diagnosed with when he was 24. Blane said both her mother and grandmother had died in their 50s because of the disorder and that knowledge hung like a dark cloud over her brother's head. For years the disorder had little impact on King, however, in November 2012 it finally struck. As King's kidney's ability to function detesee `It on p.17 March 20-23 Free PANDORA two-tone clasp Bracelet with your PANDORA purchase of $550 or more.* *Free sterling silver gold clasp bracelet ($395 CA retail value). Prices before taxes. While supplies last, limit one per customer. Charms sold separately. See store for details. Free PANDORA Bracelet or Bangle with your PANDORA purchase of $125 or more.* *Free sterling silver Clasp or Bangle Bracelet ($75 CA retail value). Prices before taxes. While supplies last, limit one per customer. Charms sold separately. See store for details. MAPLEVIEW CENTRE Burlington · 905.632.5400 Upper Level · Centre Court Sterling silver charms from $29