As a recipient of a double kidney transplant on Oct. 25, 2011, and after marking Organ Donation Awareness Week in Canada, I want to give thanks for allowing me to get my life back.

I am now able to enjoy things without having to be hooked up to a machine for up to 3½ hours every other day.

The first set of thanks is to the wonderful donor who's wishes were carried out by his or her family. I would like to thank the wonderful people at London University Hospital, the senior surgeon and his associates.

The wonderful people in the transplant unit. The wonderful people in the nephrology followup clinic on the 10th floor. A special thanks to Miss Sue who was there to help resolve any problems I may have encountered.

PR's Hodsman and Turks for such sage advice. To Dr. Rehman and nurse Marianne, who really care, thank you. A thank you to Dr. A. Kadri who is doing followup in Windsor and helping me sort out a few glitches.

We all should remember when renewing our licences - organ donation should be in our minds all year not just one week. Remember precious gifts can do good here, not in heaven.

RICKY BROWN, Windsor

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