In this inspiring episode, host Candice Coghlan speaks with Megan Owen-Evans, a rare double anonymous living organ donor. Megan has given both a kidney and part of her liver—gifts offered not to family or friends, but to complete strangers in need.
Together, they explore what motivates someone to step forward for such extraordinary acts of altruism, the recovery journey, and the myths and misconceptions around anonymous donation. Megan also shares how her experiences as a donor inspired her advocacy work, including pushing for paid leave for living donors through the Living Donor Circle of Excellence.
This conversation highlights not only the bravery of living donors but also the ripple effects their generosity creates in workplaces, families, and communities.
Episode Highlights
Megan’s journey from childhood experience to becoming a living donor
Discovering the option of anonymous kidney and liver donation
What recovery was really like after both surgeries
Misconceptions about living and anonymous donation—and how to address them
Writing letters to her recipients and the emotional connections that followed
How Megan helped shape workplace policy to remove financial barriers for donors
Why living donors see their gift as life-changing not just for recipients, but for themselves
Takeaways
Living donors undergo thorough medical and psychological screening to ensure safety.
Recovery from kidney and liver donation is often faster and easier than many assume.
Community support and employer recognition play a vital role in making donation possible.
Altruism can be a powerful force that reshapes not only individual lives but also public policy.
Every act of donation—whether blood, organs, or advocacy—creates ripples of hope.
Links and Resources
Click here for more information about the Living Donor Circle of Excellence
Click here to watch videos of living organ donors and recipients of living donation
Connect with the Podcast or Learn more about Organ Donation
Click here for more information about living organ donation.
Click here for more information about living kidney transplantation.
Click here for more information about living liver transplantation
Click here to watch videos of living organ donors and recipients of living donation
Centre for Living Organ Donation on Instagram
Ajmera Transplant Centre on Instagram
Each episode, we share patient stories about organ donation from transplant recipients and living donors, along with insights and education from leading medical experts. Whether you’re a patient, a caregiver, a donor, or simply curious about the world of organ transplantation, you’ll hear expert advice and inspiring journeys of hope, resilience, and second chances.
About our Host
Candice Coghlan is the Education & Outreach Coordinator at the Centre for Living Organ Donation at the UHN Ajmera Transplant Centre. She is also a board member for the National Kidney Foundation and a kidney transplant recipient. After she was diagnosed with kidney failure in her early 20s, she was on dialysis until receiving a transplant from her mother.
Have questions? Comments? Ideas for an episode? Please reach out to the Centre for Living Organ Donation at livingorgandonation@uhn.ca. Thanks for spending your time with us.
The views and opinions expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Toronto General or University Health Network.
