New flag at UAH honours organ and tissue donors
Alberta Health Services’ organ and tissue donation program Give Life Alberta has raised a new flag at the University of Alberta Hospital, a tribute to the thousands of people in Alberta, both deceased and living, who have given the gift of life to others.
The Give Life Alberta flag will be raised at the 112 St. entrance for two weeks every year: National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week (April 20-26, 2025) and Living Donation Week (Sept. 7-13, 2025). The flag’s icon – a green heart filling the void of a dotted heart – symbolizes organ and tissue donation. One organ donor can save up to eight lives, and a tissue donor can save or dramatically improve up to 75 lives.
While Alberta marked another record year in 2024 – with 317 deceased organ and tissue donors — there are more than 500 people waiting for life-saving transplants in the province.
“It’s important to remember (donation) is not something to take for granted,” says Give Life Alberta Medical Director Dr. Andreas Kramer. “Often we have to have these conversations at a difficult time in patients’ lives, or their families’ lives, and we’re just really grateful that so many Albertans are willing to make that decision.”
One of those selfless donors in 2024 was 43-year-old Kathleen McGee of Edmonton. While she was dying of colorectal cancer, the stand-up comedian asked her husband Adam Lampman to make sure she donated anything she could.
“She had such a genuine care for people and wanted to be able to provide either life or a positive aspect of life to someone even when she wasn’t here anymore,” says Lampman.
Shortly after his wife died in the fall of 2024, Lampman completed the consent forms and questionnaire required for her to become a donor. McGee was eligible to donate her eyes and her corneas have restored sight for one person.
Another donor’s family helped raise the new Give Life Alberta flag. After 23-year-old Andy Polanski died in a motor vehicle crash in 2013, the Fort Saskatchewan man saved five lives and improved many more with his organ and tissue donations. His family continues to support fellow donor families through fundraising events.
“To be able to pay tribute to Andy and all the other amazing donors and their families is an honour for us,” says Dawn Pinder, Andy’s sister. “We understand the rollercoaster of emotions involved in making a loved one’s donation wishes come true and our hearts go out to all donor families.”
Reaghan Manyluk sees the flag as a symbol of appreciation for her donor hero. She received a life-saving kidney and pancreas transplant at the University of Alberta Hospital in 2014. Eleven years later, the elementary school teacher is healthy, active and grateful for every “bonus” moment of her life.
“I’ve been able to enjoy some incredible moments that I never thought I’d live to see, such as my grandmother’s 97th birthday and the births of my niece and nephew,” says Manyluk. “I think about my donor often and thank them for my life.”
Albertans are encouraged to register their intent to donate online at GiveLifeAlberta.ca — or at a motor vehicle registry office — and to tell their loved ones about their donation decision.
Alberta Health Services provides a range of health care services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Our mission is to provide excellent, patient-focused healthcare that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans. Our current focus is on reducing emergency department wait times, improving EMS response times, increasing access to surgeries, and improving patient flow.