## The Power of Altruism: How One Act of Kidney Donation Inspired Another## The Power of Altruism: How One Act of Kidney Donation Inspired Another Marie-Eve was deeply moved by the story of Élise Desaulniers, who selflessly donated a kidney to a stranger. Élise’s act of altruism sparked a desire within Marie-Eve to make a similar impact. Inspired by Élise’s gesture and the concept of effective altruism, Marie-Eve joined the Paired Donation Program in Canada. This program allows donors to match their donations with compatible recipients, potentially benefiting multiple lives. Despite some setbacks along the way, Marie-Eve remained determined. She successfully underwent surgery and donated a kidney, experiencing both discomfort and profound joy. The process taught her valuable lessons about human nature and the power of giving. Élise, touched by Marie-Eve’s initiative, reflected on the impact of her own donation. She realized that it had not only saved a life but had also inspired others to follow in her footsteps. She emphasized that donating a kidney is not as daunting as it may seem, and its rewards can be immense. Through their shared experiences, Élise and Marie-Eve highlighted the transformative power of altruism. Marie-Eve found self-worth and fulfillment in her act of giving, while Élise continued to inspire and support other donors. Together, their stories showcased the transformative effects of one person’s generosity on both the recipient and the donor, creating a ripple effect of compassion and hope.
In the waiting room Marie-Eve read one of my columns1 published two days earlier, in which Élise Desaulniers told how one fine morning she wanted to donate a kidney to a stranger.
The author and former director of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals explained what motivated her to make such an altruistic gesture. She decided to talk about it publicly, not to be a hero, but to raise awareness for these little-known donations that save lives.2.
Marie-Eve finished reading the book with tears streaming down her cheeks.
“It touched me to the depths of my soul,” she told me.
She knew Élise Desaulniers by name, mainly because of her commitment to animal welfare. “My first instinct was: ah! Élise loves people too!” she says, laughing.
Inspired by his gesture, the 50-year-old mother wanted to imitate him. She first talked to her husband about it. “He said to me: Hey! Have you read The pressYou ! “
Then she wrote to Elise. She asked if she could ask her questions. They met. “I went home with even more conviction that this was what I wanted to do.”
She called the Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM). And she did. Like Élise, with whom she had discussed effective altruism, she chose to participate in Canada’s Paired Donation Program, which allows you to include your donation in a chain of solidarity and help save more lives.
Although she had chosen to talk about non-targeted kidney donation in the media to demystify this act of solidarity, Élise admits that she was overwhelmed when she received Marie-Eve’s message.
“I was so happy. I thought: Oh! My God! I didn’t do it for nothing. Even if it doesn’t go completely, it’s already special!”
However, a part of her remained a little intimidated that Marie-Eve wanted to meet her. “I’m not that pretty! I haven’t done anything special.”
She told me the first time we spoke: for her, donating a kidney, contrary to popular belief, is nothing at all. The risks associated with the operation are greater than with a vaginal birth, but not greater than with a caesarean section or liposuction. Two years later, she still hasn’t changed her mind. “Looking back, I feel even more like there really, really is nothing at all!”
Élise remembered how important talking to other donors had been in her journey and her thinking process, and then she met Marie-Eve.
When she spoke to her, Élise was struck by the contrast between her daily life as a manager managing schedules, staff shortages, and lack of money and this meeting where they were talking about very fundamental things: how one human being can save another human being’s life. Just like that…
When I donated my kidney, I felt like my life had meaning. I had served a purpose. And then I realized that it could continue by supporting other donors.
Elise Desaulniers
After meeting with a nephrologist and going through the full battery of tests required to qualify as a donor, Marie-Eve was ready to donate. Unfortunately, her surgery had to be postponed at the last minute. The health of her recipient did not allow him to undergo a transplant.
The kidney donation finally took place a few months later. Although the whole process was long and sometimes tiring, Marie-Eve has absolutely no regrets. She had already had two caesarean sections and found the experience comparable. Yes, it involves a few days of discomfort and a period of recovery. But in the end, just like after giving birth, it was nothing compared to the great happiness that this experience brought her.
“I learned a lot about human nature. This experience of giving has had a huge impact on my life. It gave me a value that only I can give myself. Usually we measure ourselves by what our boss tells us, what our children, our husband or our friends tell us. But here I measured myself by myself. And that is something that no one can take away from me. It is part of me. I keep it my whole life and it is ultra-precious.”
1. Read the column “A kidney donation, a beautiful nothing”
2. Read the article by Élise Desaulniers
