In Ontario alone, more than 1,500 people are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. Mona Aggarwal’s husband is one of them.

About ten years ago, Mahesh Aggarwal, a retiree of the health care industry, was referred to a nephrologist at Scarborough Health Network (SHN) after being informed by his physician that his creatinine levels were concerningly high. As it became clear that his kidney function was continuing to deteriorate, Mahesh was put on peritoneal dialysis under the care of Dr. Jason Fung, a kidney specialist, which allows the procedure to be performed from the comfort of their own home.

“After being on peritoneal dialysis for nearly two years, Mahesh developed a serious infection that could not be cured by antibiotics,” said Mona. “The peritoneal catheter had to be taken out, and he was put on hemodialysis at an SHN satellite clinic.”

Unfortunately, this meant that Mahesh could no longer perform his own dialysis from home, and needed to travel for hemodialysis at an SHN satellite clinic three times a week. Hemodialysis can be a very daunting thought for patients, especially since it is a sometimes lifelong commitment that is ongoing until the patient receives an organ transplant. A kidney transplant could transform the overall quality of life for a patient like Mahesh, who currently receives dialysis from one to three times a week to survive.

Although a kidney transplant is the solution for many patients’ health issues, the waitlist is extremely long. Mona notes that the immense number of people waiting for an organ transplant inspired her to begin campaigning for the cause.

She continues to raise awareness to friends, family and the greater community about the importance of organ donation, and its significant impact on numerous lives. The couple has also donated $100,000 to SHN Foundation to support the transformative care being provided to many Scarborough dialysis patients like her husband.

“I hope that this gift will help SHN to continue providing good care to patients, especially in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and dialysis units,” said Mona.

Mona is very hopeful that Mahesh will soon get his chance at a healthy kidney, and until then, he will continue to receive lifesaving care from the excellent staff and physicians at SHN.

To learn more about how you too can support SHN, visit SHNFoundation.ca – or for more information about organ donation, visit beadonor.ca.