Stacy Rodriguez heard about living donation many years ago and always thought it was something she could do, and since she never had children, it was another way to give life.
In June 2022, the clerical supervisor at BC Cancer came across a Facebook post from a former colleague. That colleague was sharing a post from her friend, Tiffani Warnick. Tiffani has issued a plea to find a living kidney donor for her husband Anthony Lynch. Stacy instantly knew ‘it was time.’ The photo of Anthony with their young daughter on the beach pulled on Stacy’s heartstrings and solidified her intention to donate.
Fast forward to May 2023, Stacy ended up being a perfect match and Anthony received his life-saving kidney.
“Anthony, Tiffani and their daughter Stephanie have become family. Even though we live in different cities, we keep in touch and check on each other. My favorite thing is when Stephanie, who is 10 years old, makes me art and gifts. We always share so many laughs and they are an incredible family,” Stacy comments.
She goes on to say that donating a kidney was ‘a breeze’ and although recovery was tiring, it was pretty painless. It helped that she had her good friend and colleague from BC Cancer at her side during the recovery period in Vancouver. Letecia Hayes, a registered nurse, traveled with Stacy from Kelowna to her surgery and stayed with her, nursing her back to good health.
Letecia was so inspired by Stacy’s selfless act of organ donation, once they got back to Kelowna, she also decided to learn more about living donation.
In November 2023, Letecia flew to Toronto and anonymously donated a part of her liver.
“My job as a nurse at BC Cancer has allowed me to see some of my patients positively impacted by organ donation. After seeing how impactful Stacy’s donation was to Anthony and his family, I felt inspired. I feel proud to know that I, too, have changed someone’s life.”
Letecia shares this pride with her family, boyfriend, friends, and coworkers, who were all very positive and supportive of her decision. She says they are also proud to know an organ donor.
For anyone considering living donation, Stacy shares a few words of encouragement, “Just go for it. If you think you might not be healthy enough, that’s what the pre-testing is for! The healthcare teams will ensure you are fit for surgery and that your quality of life post-donation is great.”
Stacy has been able to continue doing what she loves, which includes everyday hobbies such as running and exercising. Staying healthy is a big part of her lifestyle and donating a kidney didn’t change any of that.
Letecia is happy to report that she is mostly back to full health and has resumed normal activities, feeling just a bit of soreness to her abdominal muscles.
“My hiking gear signifies how active I like to be. I enjoy hiking all around the province with my boyfriend and our furry companion, Remy,” Letecia shares. “Living donation is actually a good motivating factor to keep healthy and active, so you could possibly donate and change someone’s life too!”
Stacy has worked at BC Cancer for more than 27 years in Vancouver, Surrey, Abbotsford and now Kelowna. Letecia works with gynecological and genitourinary cancer patients undergoing radiation treatment and has been in this role for six years. The pair have been close colleagues going on five years now and their extra special bond as living donors is truly a unique seal on their friendship.
With their personal experiences and positive attitudes about giving back, they recently started volunteering with BC Transplant to find more avenues to share their story and inspire others to donate, as Stacy did for Letecia.
On April 16th, they are hosting a workplace information booth to spread awareness during Organ Donation Awareness Month, alongside a few colleagues, including another BC Cancer colleague who is also a living kidney donor, Laura Vernon. Liver transplant recipient Matt Scaife will be joining them as well.
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