Lan Pham’s incredible story of becoming a living kidney donor for her dad is one of bravery, selflessness, and hope.
She describes her father Than Pham as goofy, hardworking, and always willing to lend a hand. “My dad never stops moving,” Lan shares. “He’s always doing things for people. He’s extremely giving.”
Than and his wife Elaine moved to Canada over 40 years ago as Vietnamese immigrants, settling in Duncan on Vancouver Island. Lan, now 30 years old, says she’s forever grateful her parents made the difficult decision to leave everything behind in search of a better life.
Despite the challenges of adjusting to a new country, Than and Elaine worked tirelessly to build a future in Canada for their three children—Lan and her two brothers Liem and Vinh, who were all born in Canada.
“I’ve always been a daddy’s girl,” Lan says with a smile. “My brothers used to tease me that I was the favourite, being the only girl.”
Thirteen years ago, Than’s health began to decline. It started unexpectedly—at a concert, he noticed unusual swelling in his legs. After a series of tests, Than was diagnosed with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a serious kidney disease that leads to scarring and progressive loss of kidney function.
Than, who had built his career as a laboratory technologist, was 62 years old at the time. He was forced to retire early due to his illness. As his condition worsened, he endured constant pain and at one point had to be rushed to the hospital by ambulance. Watching her father suffer was incredibly difficult for the family.
It soon became clear: Than needed a kidney transplant.
Family members and even one of Than’s coworkers immediately began the process of testing to become potential donors. Although the coworker wasn’t a match, she continued with the donation process and ultimately gave her kidney to a stranger. That selfless act left a lasting impression on the family.
After many rounds of tests, Lan, who was living in Calgary at the time, and also a laboratory technologist, was found to be the best possible match for her father. Without hesitation, she chose to donate one of her kidneys.
“It wasn’t even a question for me,” she emphasizes. “If I could give my dad more time, more life—I was going to do it.”
Lan and Than were scheduled for their kidney donation and transplant surgeries in June of 2022 at St. Paul’s Hospital. The night before, the family was filled with emotion.
“We were trying to stay calm,” Lan recalls. “He wanted to express his gratitude. He told me how thankful he was to have me as his daughter.”
Elaine was by both their sides through it all—supporting her husband, comforting her daughter, and holding the family together during the most difficult moments.
Though hopeful, Lan admits she was most nervous about the IV needle and not the surgery itself. “The team at St. Paul’s Hospital was amazing. I knew we were in good hands.”
On the day of the transplant, Lan and her father were just two doors apart. After the surgery, she anxiously awaited news.
“It felt like forever,” she comments. “But when the doctors told me my dad was stable, I was so relieved.”
When she finally saw him, she was overwhelmed. “I couldn’t believe it. He looked so much better. Just hours after surgery, he was already improving. It was unbelievable.”
Today, Than is thriving. He enjoys gardening and still finds ways to stay active—recently helping Lan move into a new home back on Vancouver Island, lifting furniture and all. His energy and quality of life have drastically improved.
For Lan, raising awareness about organ donation has become a passion.
“There’s no greater gift,” she remarks. “How often do you get the chance to give someone you love more time? I would do it again in a heartbeat.”
Interested in learning more about living kidney donation? You can find out more
here.
Did you know? One deceased organ donor can save up to eight lives. Please take two minutes to register your decision at
RegisterYourDecision.ca. All you need is your Personal Health Number.
One “yes” can give another family more moments, more memories, and more time.
Written by Brianna Classen, BC Transplant Volunteer
