I am writing in regards to organ donations and the importance of signing the form that accompanies our drivers' licences. The story I would like to share with you is one of a very special mother/grandmother.

My mother has been waiting for a liver transplant for over a year. The disease she is fighting is Hepatitis C, contracted through blood transfusions.

There are six stages of this deadly disease, which kills the individual's liver. My mother is in stage six, fighting for her life.

In order to prevent this disease from killing my mother, we need to find a compatible match - someone with the same blood type who is willing to donate part of his or her liver.

All of our family members have been tested and, unfortunately, do not match. I decided to write about our situation to create awareness and talk about the process of liver donation.

Anyone between the ages of 18 and 60 can donate part of their liver; it is the only organ that can regenerate itself. The crucial factor is that your blood type must match the person you are donating to. There are tests that are arranged to determine important factors through Toronto General Hospital.

My mother's love for me gives me strength, her voice always provides me with hope, and her courage to continue to battle this disease with such dignity inspires anyone who meets her.

She is very loved by my family, her husband, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and many friends. She is also the most loving grandmother. I will do whatever I can to ensure she is able to keep playing these important roles in her life.

I am providing readers with the transplant co-ordinator's name and phone number, should anyone feel they can help us. Her name is Cailin Macleod, her phone number is 1-416-340-4800, ext. 7594. You must refer to my mother's name which is Mrs. Laura Field.
Michelle White,
Orangeville