Kimran (far left)
For her Capstone project, Grade 12 student Kimran Boparai wanted to do something meaningful to raise awareness of organ donation and to help individuals who are waiting for organ transplants. Until last year, Kimran’s family was waiting and hoping for a kidney transplant for her younger brother.
“My 9-year-old brother spent the first eight years of his life in and out of the BC Children’s Hospital having kidney dialysis and multiple surgeries,” said Kimran. “Last year, he was fortunate enough to have a kidney transplant, which has made such an incredible difference to his life. We are so thankful for the doctors and surgeons who have helped him over the years. I wanted my Capstone project to involve the medical field as I am hoping to pursue a career in medicine, and I also wanted to do something to give back to people in need.”
Sunday, April 7 was Green Shirt Day (https://greenshirtday.ca/), a day that was created to honour, remember, and recognize all the victims and families of the fatal Humboldt Broncos crash that took place in 2018. One of the players, Logan Boulet succumbed to his injuries but thanks to his wish to donate his organs, six lives were saved. Green Shirt Day helps to continue Logan’s legacy by inspiring Canadians to talk to their families and register as organ donors.
For her project, Kimran decided to organize a Green Shirt Day fundraiser at North Delta Secondary. All students and staff were encouraged to wear green on Friday, April 5 and Kimran will be collecting donations for Transplant BC during the week of April 8.
“It is so important that people know about organ donation and talk about their wishes to become an organ donor with their families and friends,” said Kimran. “Although donation rates have improved in recent years, there is more to be done – there are still many families waiting for organ transplants for a family member.”
You can register your decision to donate organs here: https://register.transplant.bc.ca/ A parent/guardian can sign on behalf of someone who is under the age of 19.
“I have encouraged Kimran to enter her project for BC Transplant’s Live Life. Pass It On scholarship,” said CLC teacher, Sonia Grewal. “Each year, BC Transplant awards four $1,500 scholarships to grade 10-12 students who lead an organ donation awareness project in their school or community. This is a cause that is close to Kimran’s heart, and she has been involved in several fundraisers to support BC Children’s Hospital, including one last year for the Nephrology Unit that raised just under $200.”
