While sifting through the archives of Over the Edge, UNBC’s student newspaper, I stumbled upon a 2004 article titled “Your Organs to Save Lives: Realistically, You’re Not Going to Need Them.” Written by then Editor-in-Chief Carolynne Burkholder, the piece passionately advocated for organ donation and encouraged readers to consider the life-saving impact of becoming donors.
Curious about the author, I delved deeper and discovered that Carolynne Burkholder—now Carolynne Burkholder-James—not only wrote about organ donation but also lived her words. In 2022, nearly two decades after her original article, she donated one of her kidneys to a stranger in Winnipeg. This remarkable journey from advocacy to action is a powerful testament to the enduring impact one individual can have.
Unearthing a Passionate Plea
In her 2004 article, Carolynne highlighted the critical shortage of organ donors in Canada. She wrote:
“It has always surprised me that the only thing that is certain in life is something that we rarely discuss. Though our mortality is a difficult thing to think about, the possible good that can come out of a death should definitely be some comfort.”
Her words were a call to action for students and the broader community to have conversations about organ donation and to make their wishes known to their families.
From Page to Practice
Discovering that Carolynne had become a living organ donor added a profound layer to her original message. In a recent interview, she reflected on how her views on organ donation evolved over time.
“As a lawyer working in wills and estates, I often help clients with end-of-life planning,” she said. “This work reinforced the importance of organ donation in my mind. I realized I could do more than just talk about it—I could be about it.”
In December 2022, after months of medical screenings, Carolynne underwent kidney removal surgery at Vancouver General Hospital. Her kidney was immediately transported to a recipient in Winnipeg, someone she has never met.
“It’s really only a month or so out of my life to make such an impact on other people,” she shared. “I felt strongly that this was a way I could give back.”
A Ripple Effect of Generosity
Carolynne was part of the Canadian Blood Services’ national kidney-paired donation program, which relies on non-directed anonymous donors to provide kidneys to patients without matching directed donors. These altruistic donations often trigger a chain reaction, enabling multiple transplants to occur.
“It takes a certain type of person to be so altruistic to do something like that,” said Dr. Olwyn Johnston, medical director of kidney transplant at Vancouver General Hospital. “They go through all those hoops, and they still want to donate.”
Inspiration for the UNBC Community
Carolynne’s journey from writing about organ donation as a student to becoming a living donor herself is a powerful narrative that resonates deeply within the UNBC community. It serves as a reminder that our actions, no matter how small they may seem at the time, can lead to significant impacts down the road.
Her story also underscores the value of our student newspaper archives. Hidden within those pages are voices and messages that continue to inspire and challenge us today.
Taking Action
For those moved by Carolynne’s story, there are several ways to get involved:
- Register as an Organ Donor: Visit the BC Transplant Society’s website at transplant.bc.ca to learn how you can register.
- Have the Conversation: Talk to your family and loved ones about your wishes regarding organ donation.
- Spread the Word: Use your platforms—be it writing for Over the Edge, social media, or community groups—to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation.
Conclusion
The serendipitous discovery of Carolynne’s 2004 article while exploring the Over the Edge archives led to uncovering a story of true altruism and commitment. Her journey exemplifies how advocacy can evolve into meaningful action, inspiring others to consider how they too can make a difference.
As members of the UNBC community, we have the opportunity to continue this legacy—through our words and our deeds.
“Becoming an organ donor is more than just a personal decision; it’s a commitment to help others in the most profound way possible,” Carolynne said. “I encourage everyone to think about the difference they can make.”
