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.