Surgery booked for woman who found kidney donor with car ad

Just two weeks after Debbie Onishenko learned her new friend Brent Kruger was approved to become her live kidney donor, the two got even more good news: A surgery date.

On Feb. 7, 650 CKOM reported the story of 61-year-old Onishenko’s quest to find a donor. Last June, Onishenko’s kidneys were functioning at only nine per cent. She either had to prepare to go onto dialysis or — somehow — find a new organ through a donor.

She decided to put an ad on her car window after learning about a man in Ontario who’d done the same thing. When the 42-year-old Kruger heard about her story, he started on the path to become Onishenko’s donor.

Brent Kruger. (Lara Fominoff/650 CKOM)

After more than 40 vials of blood were drawn from him and a variety of tests were administered, Kruger was finally given the green light by doctors.

Then last Wednesday came even better news.

“I got a call, and the date has finally been set. It is Feb. 28. We are so excited,” said Onishenko.

She said she was surprised how quickly the surgery was booked, and she credited the transplant team at St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon for making it happen.

“The transplant unit at St. Paul’s is just phenomenal, and they worked really hard to get this together,” she continued.

“I wasn’t expecting it to come this quick,” Kruger said. “I’m nervous but excited at the same time. I’m super-excited to get this show on the road for Debbie.”

Onishenko said she’s feeling nervous as well, but she’s also glad there’s now a date to look forward to.

“We’re just glad we don’t have to wait any longer,” she said. “Sometimes, waiting is the hardest thing.”

Kruger said the past six months have been life-changing, and encouraged others to donate if they’re able.

“There’s a desperate need for living organ donations,” he said. “You can save a life and it’s a pretty amazing thing to do.”