A kidney donor who saved her stepfather’s life, said perhaps there was something selfish about the act.
“I don’t really see myself as a hero. If anything, maybe there was something selfish about it; I simply wasn’t willing to lose my dad,” says Shannon.
Following the successful surgery on May 4 this year, the family learned that Shawn would likely not have survived beyond the end of this year, had it not been for Shannon’s life-saving donation.
The Walk
Shannon and her stepfather’s story was highlighted by Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy, who reminded Durham residents that the 2026 Durham Region Kidney Walk is coming up September 27 at Heydenshore Pavilion in Whitby.
Shannon Ottonen and her team — Team Richter – Connected for Life, are participating.
Now, just a few months later, Shannon and Shawn are preparing to walk together. Last year they walked with the hope that Shawn would be given an extension of life — this year they will walk to celebrate his survival, and to raise funds to help the Kidney Foundation of Canada give other families the same opportunity.
How It All Began
The journey began when Shannon learned that Shawn had only 15 per cent kidney function remaining and made the decision to research being a living kidney donor.
Shannon shared the news with Shawn that she was going to become his living donor shortly before he walked her down the aisle at her wedding.
“Shawn has always been my dad. Stepdad or not, he stepped into that role when he didn’t have to, and he has always been there for me. When I found out he needed a kidney, I wanted to find out if I could be there for him in the same way,” Shannon says.
Over the next two and a half years of tests, appointments and waiting, Shawn’s kidney function continued to decline, eventually dropping to just six per cent function, and requiring dialysis.
Click here to donate to Team Richter – Connected for Life, or register to participate in the Durham Region walk.
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