Joanna and her husband were living in a hotel near the transplant centre when they received a call at 2:00 a.m. that a heart was available for Ryley. By 9:30 p.m. that night, they were able to see their daughter after her transplant surgery. "She was on a breathing tube...but she was pink. And she just looked so wonderful."
Ryley hasn't looked back since her transplant. She's an active, loving, and brave little girl. Having faced the fear of losing her own child, Joanna is so thankful to the donor family and would encourage all Ontarians to become registered organ donors.
"If you needed an organ, would you take one? If you would... why wouldn't you share yours to save somebody else's life? It makes you a hero."