Between Giving and Receiving: Behind the Scene of Kidney Donation with a Kidney Donor Coordinator

What really happens when someone decides to become a living kidney donor?

In this episode of Living Transplant, Candice sits down with UHN living donor kidney coordinator Melinda Skadorwa to unpack the full donor journey — from the first health questionnaire to surgery day and beyond. Melinda shares how she found her way into transplant nursing, what a typical (and often unpredictable) day looks like, and the most common fears and misconceptions she hears from potential donors. The conversation explores the emotional and logistical realities of donation, including financial barriers, white coat anxiety, and the importance of strong support systems. Listeners will also learn how innovative programs like Kidney Paired Donation and List Exchange are helping more Canadians receive life-saving transplants — even when donors and recipients aren’t compatible. Whether you’re considering donation, supporting someone who is, or simply curious about how living donation works, this episode offers an honest and compassionate look behind the scenes.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Melinda’s path led her into transplant care
• What living donor coordinators actually do
• Step-by-step overview of the living donor evaluation process
• Common myths and fears about kidney donation
• Life after donation: recovery and long-term outlook
• How Kidney Paired Donation expands transplant access across Canada
• The unique impact of non-directed (anonymous) donors
• Barriers donors may face — including financial and system challenges
• Emotional supports available for living donors
• Advice for anyone thinking about becoming a donor

Links and Resources

Learn more about living organ donation: www.livingorgandonation.ca

Living Kidney Donation at UHN: UHN Ajmera Transplant Centre

Kidney Paired Donation Program: Kidney Paired Donation Program

Financial Support for Living Donors: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/financial-support-for-living-organ-donors-tickets-60824861799?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Information about Becoming a Living Kidney Donor: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/information-for-potential-living-kidney-donors-tickets-62066475499?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

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 [e-mail]. 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.