At 27, Layla discovered they had been living with only one functioning kidney. After their kidney function rapidly declined, they found themselves navigating kidney failure, dialysis, and a life that looked very different from the one they had imagined. But their journey would lead to a life-changing gift: a kidney transplant from their mother, who travelled all the way from Iran to donate.
In this episode, Candice sits down with Layla to explore their journey from diagnosis to transplantation, including the emotional challenges of living with kidney disease as a young adult. Layla shares what it was like to move from Iran to Canada, discover their kidney condition, and adjust to the realities of dialysis while trying to maintain a sense of independence and connection with friends.
Together, Layla and Candice reflect on the importance of peer support, the spoon theory and the challenges of accepting help. Layla opens up about the complicated emotions surrounding their mother’s decision to donate, including the fear of putting her through surgery and the guilt of accepting such an extraordinary gift. Through therapy and reflection, Layla began to understand the transplant as an opportunity for healing, love, and connection.
Layla also shares how life changed after transplant, from the freedom to travel and enjoy everyday moments to the deeper meaning of calling the transplanted kidney “our kidney.” Whether you are navigating kidney disease, considering living donation, or supporting someone through transplantation, this conversation is a powerful reminder that hope can be found in connection, accepting help, and learning to embrace the love that others offer.
In This Episode
What it was like to navigate kidney disease as a young adult while trying to maintain friendships, work, and independenceHow peer support through the Kidney Foundation helped Layla feel understood and less aloneWhat the spoon theory means.Why Layla chose in-centre hemodialysis and how building support systems helped them manage their healthThe emotional challenges of accepting a kidney donation from their motherHow therapy helped Layla work through guilt, fear, and the complicated emotions surrounding living donationWhy Layla calls the transplanted kidney “our kidney” and how the transplant became part of a deeper healing journeyHow living with kidney disease taught Layla to accept uncertainty and appreciate the presentWhy accepting help and love can be an important part of finding hope
Links
Click here for more information about living organ donation.
Click here for more information about living kidney donation
Click here for more information about living liver donation
Click here for information Sessions for potential donors
Click here to learn more about the Kidney Foundation’s Peer Support Program
Connect with the Podcast or Learn More About Organ Donation
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 National Board Member for the Kidney Foundation of Canada 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.
