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Continued from page 12 said she felt like she was “here for another reason.” That reason turned out to be saving her cousin’s life. Initially, Melanie’s body rejected the new kidney, be- cause her immune system was too strong. “Asa teacher, I got every sickness going around,” she said. “They had to reduce my immune system to almost zero to save the kidney,” Melanie explained. All was well until April of 2013, when tests revealed that Melanie’s body was slowly rejecting the kidney again. Medication is keeping her stable, and Dr. Zaltzman gave Melanie the green light to go to the World Transplant Games in Durban, South Africa, last summer. Jesse helped his mom train for the event, and he accom- panied her on the two week trip. Melanie has fond memories of her son, who was riding ina van, cheering her on as she completed the 20 km bike tide. “Go, Mom, go!” he encouraged her to keep cycling. The World Transplant Games attracted over 2,500 participants from over 55 countries. Aged four to 80 years old, everyone was the recipient of a lifesaving organ trans- plant. Melanie said that people overcame their language barriers by introducing themselves by pointing to the body part which was replaced by a donated organ: lung, heart, kidney, liver, pancreas or bone marrow. PROTEC Those You Love Whether it’s your family, home, business or your Trophies, Awards, “Tt was an amazing experience,” said Melanie, who also represented the Canadian Team on the volleyball squad. “Everyone was just so glad to be alive.” While in South Africa, Melanie and Jesse had time for some sightseeing, including two exciting safaris and a tour of one of the townships. They visited Nelson Man- dela’s house and the apartheid museum. “Ym so thankful to be a Canadian,” said Melanie, who pointed out that if she lived in a country without the same high quality of medical treatment, “I wouldn’t be here to tell my story today.” Melanie's inspirational story provides hope to others. To be an organ donor just go online to beadonorca. It's easy! car, protect what's yours with insurance e solutions designed just for you. ¢ W.0, INSURANCE BROKERS Dale Gibbons OwnerBroker 905-436-9090 14 FOCUS - JANUARY 2014 Corporate Promotions Embroidery * Graphic Design Engraving * Screen Printing Pineridge Impress 135 North Port Road, Last summer, she was invited to Camp Oochigeas for the weekend. Sponsored by The James Fund, it’s a camp for kids with neuroblastoma. “The parents looked at me in awe because I’m still alive,” Melanie recalled. Her story of survival and moth- erhood gives them hope that their own children have a chance to fight the odds and live a full life. Tom Hanks is a patron of The James Fund for Neuro- blastoma Research, and Melanie would like to increase public awareness of this worthy charity. She also pointed out that on November 1, 2013, there were 1,496 people on the waiting list for organ dona- tions in Ontario alone. It's easy to sign up. To register to be an organ or tis- sue donor, all you have to do is go online at beadonor.ca or register in person at ServiceOntario or download the consent form at giftoflife.on.ca. “Please help to give someone a second chance,” is all Melanie asks. By Lynn Campbell Focus on Scugog all floor models and we pay the tax on custom orders 207 Queen St., Port Perry 905.985.3011 www.lukesforhome.com