Dad's Health Is Wedding Gift

By Marie Demers

With our engagement last August, we were delighted about our marriage plans but had mixed emotions about how things would turn out. My father's health was quickly fading and we had to discuss the unthinkable "what if" scenarios. After an emotional struggle, we went ahead with our plans, with our parents' support.

On Dec. 16, a phone call sent my parents on their way to the multi-organ-transplant unit in London, Ontario. My father, Maurice Demers, was blessed to have had a match with a donor and underwent a heart transplant that night.

Medical professionals, family, friends and loved ones have witnessed my father's miraculous recovery. If you had seen him before the transplant, you would be amazed at the invigorated man that he is today.

Tomorrow, five months after the surgery, my dad will be by my side as I walk down the aisle. He even plans on dancing at the reception.

On our wedding day, we will certainly pause and pray for the donor family whose profound generosity has allowed this family gathering to be a complete delight. I can't tell you how deeply grateful my husband, Colin Barker, and I are to have received such a precious and sacred gift.

I am sharing my intimate family story to tell people that organ donation works. I gently urge everyone: please, discuss your wishes on organ donation with your family. (Even if you have signed a donor card or are registered as a donor, doctors will still ask your family before allowing the donation). As the London Transplant Unit logo puts it: Please don't take your organs to heaven -- heaven knows we need them here.

Copyright © 2003 The Ottawa Citizen.

This article posted May 18, 2003.