On Saturday, April 22, over 200 walkers gathered at the Essex Centre Sports Complex to support Kaidyn Blair and his family on their half-marathon walk to Windsor Regional Hospital Metropolitan Campus.
The event was organized to raise awareness for the organ transplant program and the need for organ donors.
As a young organ transplant recipient, this was Kaidyn’s fourth walk to raise awareness of this life-saving program.
The first leg of the walk, deemed the ‘green mile’ for the symbolic colour of organ transplant, stretched from the sports complex to Essex High School where walkers were accompanied by six local, uniformed firefighters.
From the high school, 60 walkers continued on to tackle the half-marathon.
Braving rain, sun and hail, about 40 walkers made it to the finish line where they were greeted by family, friends and hospital staff. Kaidyn was among those who finished.
Kaidyn’s mom, Tammy, who also completed the walk said that the outpouring of support from friends, family and the community was wonderful.
Tammy also had a special thank you to three donor families who came out to support the walkers and honour their loved ones.
Organ donation has allowed Tammy to watch her son grow into an amazing, inspiring and compassionate young man.
From the time of his transplant just days after his first birthday, Tammy has been able to watch him take his first steps, score his first goal and fall in love. According to her, it has kept her family whole.
The road has not been without its difficulties.
Tammy said it has been hard to watch the setbacks as Kaidyn’s health has deteriorated and she knows that the transplant will not last forever. Currently suffering from cirrhosis of the liver, Kaidyn will require another liver transplant in the future.
Kaidyn means “fighter” and Tammy believes her son is living up to his name.
He celebrated his 21st birthday on Monday and today marks the 20th anniversary of his liver transplant.
Kaidyn has three words that he lives by: believe, dream and inspire.
Through his actions, Kaidyn inspires those around him. He loves to see everyone come together to support this cause.
Kaidyn is living proof that organ donation works and he has set goals for his life: to continue to live, to see his next birthdays and to have as many animals as he can.
Happy birthday, Kaidyn and we wish you many more to come!
To register to become an organ donor, please visit www.beadonor.ca/kaidyns-dream and remember to share your wishes with loved ones.
All photos provided by Tammy Blair
Kaidyn’s dream is also my dream.
Touch as many lives as you can and convince them all to be as many organ donation sign ups as possible.