In this special episode, Candice sits down with Kevin Gosling, the first person in Canada to anonymously donate part of his liver to a stranger, made possible at UHN’s Ajmera Transplant Centre. More than 20 years later, his decision continues to shape the future of living organ donation.
Kevin shares how a simple question—What about people who don’t have someone to donate for them?—led him on a journey that challenged medical norms, changed hospital policies, and ultimately created what many now call “The Gosling Effect.”
Together, they discuss the barriers he faced, the emotional moments that stayed with him, the ripple effect of one selfless act, and why he believes ordinary people are capable of extraordinary generosity.
Whether you’re curious about living donation, have been touched by transplantation, or simply need a reminder of the good that exists in the world, this conversation is one you won’t forget.
In This Episode
How Kevin first learned that living donation to a stranger was possibleWhy he refused to accept “we don’t do that” as an answerThe challenges of becoming Canada’s first anonymous living liver donorThe ethical questions and medical concerns behind a historic firstThe support of family throughout the donation journeyReceiving a letter from the recipient’s family for the first timeThe origin of the “Gosling Effect” and its lasting impactWhy anonymous donation comes from a different kind of motivationA powerful analogy about saving a life and taking a leap of faithKevin’s hopes for the future of transplantation and organ donation
Links
Learn more about living organ donation: www.livingorgandonation.ca
Living Organ Donation at UHN: UHN Ajmera Transplant Centre
Information Sessions for potential donors: givelifeuhn.eventbrite.ca
Becoming a living donor: https://www.uhn.ca/Transplant/Pages/become_living_donor.aspx
Liver Canada: Transforming the future of liver health | Liver Canada
Each episode, we share patient stories about organ donation from transplant recipients and living donors, along with insights and education from leading medical experts. Whether you’re a patient, a caregiver, a donor, or simply curious about the world of organ transplantation, you’ll hear expert advice and inspiring journeys of hope, resilience, and second chances.
About our Host
Candice Coghlan is the Education & Outreach Coordinator at the Centre for Living Organ Donation at the UHN Ajmera Transplant Centre. She is also a board member for the National Kidney Foundation and a kidney transplant recipient. After she was diagnosed with kidney failure in her early 20s, she was on dialysis until receiving a transplant from her mother.
Have questions? Comments? Ideas for an episode? Please reach out to the Centre for Living Organ Donation at livingorgandonation@uhn.ca. Thanks for spending your time with us.
The views and opinions expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Toronto General or University Health Network.
