50th anniversary of her kidney transplant: a lady now wants to raise awareness about organ donation

A 69-year-old lady from Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures achieved an extremely rare feat on Sunday, as she celebrated her 50th^e anniversary of his kidney transplant. She also wants to take advantage of the opportunity to raise awareness among the population about the importance of organ donation.

Monique Germain was barely an adult when she had to turn to dialysis after learning that her kidneys had stopped working. However, she received her Christmas present early the year she turned 19 when she learned that a kidney was available and that she would be able to receive a transplant.

“It’s the best gift I could have. If I hadn't had this transplant, I certainly wouldn't be here today. After 30 years, I was told that we had to celebrate, so I didn't even think that I was going to go here,” she says with a laugh.

The one who has always liked to be involved and participate in different sporting activities is delighted to have had the right to such a beautiful life in the company of her husband.

“If I agreed to tell my story, it is so that people realize how much a difference a donation can make in the life of a person, but also for their entire family,” adds the woman who will soon be 70 years.

“It allowed us to get married and have a good life,” emphasizes her husband, André Rochette.

Low probabilities

It is difficult to predict the lifespan of a transplanted kidney due to the many factors involved in the proper functioning of the organ. But on average, according to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, half of transplanted kidneys are still functioning 10 years after the procedure.

“It’s incredible. […] She was the 18^e person transplanted at the Hôtel-Dieu, and you should know that at that time, there was a high probability of rejection and loss of the graft. There could be a third of patients who lost their kidney in the first year,” explains D.^re Isabelle Houde, nephrologist at Hôtel-Dieu de Québec.

“The case of M^me Germain is clearly an achievement. […] It also gives hope to patients. Sometimes they have the impression that, because they do not have a living donor, they only have access to a second-rate transplant. But despite that, there are some who have 35, 40 and soon 50 years of survival with the kidney of a deceased donor,” adds the professional.

The importance of organ donation

Although the number of donors is increasing, many people remain waiting for a transplant. At the end of 2023, 569 people were able to receive a transplant in Quebec, but 853 others were still waiting.

“It allows people and their families to have a normal life, to have projects, [de] work and [de] contribute to society. There is no good reason to be buried with your organs. If they can be of service to someone, we should offer them,” she concluded.