One donor at a time

INTRODUCTION

Hello, our names are Kibby Evans and Daman Milsom. In the spring of 2012 we plan to embark on a bike trek across Canada to raise awareness for the need of registered organ donors as well as raise funds for organ transplantation research.  In Canada during 2010, 2,153 organ transplants were performed but unfortunately another 4,529 Canadians remained on the waiting list for a life-saving organ transplant, and 247 patients died while waiting. We hope that our trek will contribute to the increase of successful organ transplants and stimulate research for newly developed treatment strategies, technologies and therapies for those whose lives are threatened by organ failure.

This trek will begin at the most easterly point of Canada, Cape Spear, NFLD and will finish amongst friends and family in Victoria, BC. We will start off the trek at the end of May 2012 and will follow a planned route of over 9000km.  We will be carrying all of our gear on our bikes and camping along the way. Our motivation to complete such a task will come from our friends, family and fellow Canadians who have been affected by organ failure.

By raising awareness we believe that we can encourage at least 10,000 Canadians to become registered organ donors. Also, our fundraising goal is $50,000 and we are confident that with the support of the nation this goal can be easily reached!

Please join us on our trek for transplants as we pedal for the thousands of Canadians that have been and will be affected by organ transplantation.

KIBBY

I graduated from the University of Victoria in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Psychology. During my time at UVIC, I was a member of the UVIC Woman’s Rugby Team and UVIC Triathlon Club and received the Academic All Canadian Athletic and Academic Award for two consecutive years.  In 2008 I studied abroad at the University of East Anglia in England and played rugby for the university during my studies.

I grew up in Duncan, BC and was awarded Athlete of the Year in my senior year of high school. During the summers of 2004-2006, I played rugby for the BC19 Women’s Team.

Since graduation, I have worked with children and families with disabilities in the Victoria region and provide volunteer respite service for a family in the community. I recently travelled to South America where I participated in a volunteer medical program, supported youth who were living on the streets of Ecuador and worked with young children in Ecuador’s school system.

My initial motivation for this trek was from close family members and friends who suffered from organ failure and the emotional turmoil we experienced associated with the waitlists for organs. Through raising awareness and supporting research initiatives, I hope to ease the process for those requiring organ transplants and for improved health outcomes for transplant recipients.

“Hope is but the dream of those who wake.”

~Matthew Prior

Background
-Born November 18, 1987

Education
-2010: Graduated with distinction from UVIC in Biology and Psychology

Activities
-2007-2010: Member of UVIC Woman’s Rugby
-2007: Member of UVIC Triathlon Club
-2004-2006: member of BC U19 Woman’s Rugby Team

Accomplishments
-2008-2009: Academic All Canadian Athletic and Academic Award
-2008-2009: President Scholarship Recipient
-2005: Cowichan Secondary School’s Athlete of the Year

DAMAN

Prior to attending college, I spent 4 years in the British Columbia Hockey League. The first 3 years were spent in Duncan with the Cowichan Valley Capitals and the last year in my home town of West Kelowna with the Westside Warriors.

After my last year of Junior A hockey I was fortunate enough to obtain a scholarship to play NCAA Div 3 hockey at The College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota. I have been honored with the role of team captain from 2010-2012, my senior year. I am currently completing my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biology. In 2010, I made the Academic All-NCHA Honors Team. This past summer I have spent in Duluth, MN taking courses and working at an internship at an Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory.

While at school, I spend time volunteering with Special Olympics Minnesota, Cystic Fibrosis Great Strides Walk, and Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk. Also, I am a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and was a Residential Advisor during the 2009-2010 school year.

“You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.”

~Christopher Columbus

Background
-Born March 17, 1987, Vancouver, BC

Education
-Currently completing Bachelor of Arts Degree, Biology, The College of St. Scholastica

Activities
-2008-2012: CSS Hockey – Team Captain 2010-2012
-2004-2008: BCHL (Cowichan Valley Capitals, Westside Warriors)
-2009-2010: Residential Advisor – CSS

Accomplishments
- 2011: Grandmas Full Marathon – Duluth, MN
- 2010: Academic All-NCHA Honors Team
- 2005: Mount Boucherie Secondary School’s Athlete of the Year