Carrie Balkwill is sharing her son Brayden's story during National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week, emphasizing his lifelong nature as a giver. When the 25-year-old died in a car crash last year, his mother found solace in his decision to donate his organs and tissues.
"It was a gift that speaks to who my son was in life," Balkwill stated. Brayden's kidneys, liver, corneas, and heart valves were donated, saving at least three lives and impacting many more. Despite the profound grief, Balkwill's family also celebrated the continuation of life through donation.
In Alberta, 272 people donated organs and/or tissue in 2025, yet over 500 remain on the waiting list for life-saving transplants. Balkwill brought her son's story to Alberta Precision Labs scientists, who work to match donors with recipients. These lab professionals rarely hear the personal stories behind the samples they analyze.
Deanna Tosczak, a lab scientist, noted the importance of hearing from donor families. Candice Bohonis, a senior tissue specialist, highlighted that tissue donation can help up to 75 people and has broader age and health criteria than organ donation. She added that hearing these stories underscores the impact of a single donation.
Give Life Alberta stresses the importance of registering as a donor and having conversations with loved ones. Balkwill hopes her story encourages such discussions, finding that speaking of Brayden's gift provides her grief a place to land and acknowledges the beautiful moment found in the most painful experience.