By Dylana Milobar

2018 proves to be record year for organ transplants in B.C.

Feb 1, 2019 | 3:27 PM

KAMLOOPS — Organ transplants in the province have reached new heights in 2018, with a record-breaking 502 British Columbians receiving a much needed organ.

Many involved in the transplant process say increased awareness around organ donations has led to more transplants, along with a cultural shift supporting organ donation as an end-of-life procedure.

The momentum is carried locally as well, with Kamloops residents donating organs, receiving transplants, and promoting organ donation as a whole.

Last year in British Columbia, 28 hearts were transplanted, along with 50 lung transplants, 77 liver transplants, and a record 339 kidney transplant procedures.

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For Dorothy Drinnan, receiving a new kidney brought a new kind of freedom to her day-to-day life.

“So I had a machine at home that I hooked up to every night for 8 hours. So I was doing that,” she explains. “Travel wasn’t too bad because you could take everything with you, but not having to take that is a real bonus for sure.”

Organ donation is not limited to the living either. Drinnan says support can be as simple as signing up to donate your organs after you have passed away.

“I think more and more people are realizing how easy to also become a donor. You just have to go online and do that now. And I guess people are just thinking, ‘yeah its something I would want to do.’”

So far, more than 1.35 million British Columbians have registered their wish to be an organ donor when they are no longer living.

“More people are getting transplanted, basically more lives saved,” says Dr. David Lansberg, B.C Transplant’s Provincial Medical Director. “People getting back to real life. Perhaps even normal life. Life changing, life prolonging, really each case is a miracle.”

In B.C, the need for donations remains strong, with 669 people still waiting for an organ transplant.

Drinnan can attest to how benefical receiving can be, and encourages people who are considering donating to do their research before making a decision.

“But I would say, if you’re on the fence, go for it.”

Support is strong in Kamloops, with events like tonight’s Blazers game against the Prince George Cougars.

The Blazers will be wearing special edition Don Cherry-themed jerseys to promote organ donation, then auctioning off the jerseys afterwards. All proceeds from the event will go to the Kidney Foundation of Canada.