To say the McSorleys are a perfect match is a bit of an understatement.
Darcy and Heather McSorley met in 2012 after Darcy graduated from Dalhousie University and moved to New Glasgow.
While he was in university training to be a physiotherapist, Darcy was diagnosed with IGA nephropathy, and the kidney disease progressed rapidly.
By the time the couple married on Aug. 8, 2015, his kidneys were only functioning at five per cent capacity. Although they didn’t know for sure at the time of their wedding, Heather would turn out to be a perfect match for Darcy in more ways than one.
After starting in-patient dialysis two weeks after their wedding, Darcy found out that Heather was a match to donate a kidney to him. After finalizing testing, Heather gave Darcy the gift of life on Dec. 18, 2015.
Since surgery, Darcy has enjoyed the new lease on life a transplant has provided. Always an active person, Darcy continues to live a healthy and active lifestyle, keeping busy working as a physiotherapist, and enjoys exercising, playing hockey and golf outside of work. He and Heather are both happy and healthy, and are enjoying the improved lifestyle and freedom that a transplant has given them.
In honour of his good health and his desire to create awareness about kidney disease, McSorley has been named honour chair for the Pictou County Kidney Walk set for Sept. 30 at Carmichael Park on Terrace Street, New Glasgow. Registration starts at 1 p.m. and the walk will take place at 2 p.m.
“At the time I was diagnosed with kidney disease, I had no idea the effect it would have on my life. I feel so grateful for the support of the Kidney Foundation of Canada, and all the nurses, doctors, and healthcare professionals I have had the privilege of meeting on this journey. I am so happy about the second chance I have been given, and want to do my part in helping promote the mission of the kidney foundation of Canada.”
Kidney walks are the cornerstone of The Kidney Foundation of Canada’s fundraising efforts. Patients, their families and caregivers, along with medical professionals and the general public, get together annually to raise awareness and much-needed funds for those affected by kidney disease across the country. With every step, participants help support innovative research and vital programs to improve the lives of the one in 10 Canadians living with kidney disease.
Nova Scotians are encouraged to connect with the kidney community in this province by creating a team, including their family, friends, coworkers and neighbours.
Participants can register online at www.kidneywalk.ca. Corporate and individual registrations are also welcome. Participants will receive a free Kidney Walk t-shirt for collecting more than $100 in pledges, and everyone who raises $250 will receive a ballot for a chance to win an iPad Mini.
