In December of 2013, Sussanne gave her cousin Stacey the best Christmas gift ever.

She told him that she was a perfect match to give him one of her kidneys, and that the surgery date was set for early the next year. Her cousin’s family has a history of diabetes with associated kidney failure – in fact a few years before, Sussanne’s mom had donated a kidney to Stacey’s brother.

Although she had to undergo 2 months of testing, she always felt strongly she would be a match. She acknowledges there was an element of fear surrounding her choice, but the good reasons for her decision always outweighed any negative thoughts. The day after surgery her cousin insisted in walking on his own to her room to thank her, and there was not a dry eye in the room as family and friends celebrated the successful match. 

In the end, Sussanne hit the ground running after her recovery, returning to soccer, snowboarding and normal life. Sadly, Stacey is no longer with us, but she has never regretted the gift she gave him, enabling him a few more moments of life including watching his son graduate from high school.

Sussanne is an active member of the Kidney Foundation BC/Yukon Saving Lives Campaign Committee.