Former local journalist receives liver transplant from a North Bay donor

A former North Bay journalist got some much-needed help from his hometown recently

John Size, a former journalist in North Bay with the Nugget, received a liver transplant on Monday, September 14 at the Toronto General Hospital. 

Wendy McCann, John's wife went to social media to share the good news.  

"Michelle Kelly, a wonderful person originally from John’s hometown of North Bay, quietly applied, was tested, and agreed to donate after she was found to be a perfect match for John," said McCann about her husband who turned 57 in 2020. 

"The surgery was scheduled within two weeks, and John received a portion of this amazing human being’s organ on Monday, September 14."

Michelle noted that her father actually used to work with John's dad, John Sr. She added that she is recovering well. 

Size was on the donor list for four years before a match came from North Bay. McCann believes this surgery is like a second chance at life for her husband. 

"John was euphoric as he woke up from surgery, and has been sitting on top of the world ever since," she said. 

"We are so happy to tell you that Michelle also tolerated surgery well, and is recovering a little bit more each day.

"There are some hurdles to cross for John as his body recovers and adapts to a new organ, but he has shown the same tremendous strength and resilience post-surgery as he demonstrated in the four and a half years that he has been ill."

McCann believes it is a blessing that this result happened for Size during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

"John will honour her gift by living his best life and returning kindness to the world in whatever ways he can," she said. 

"We also feel tremendous gratitude to the others who applied to help John, and in some cases were tested as the COVID pandemic took hold."

Or course that gratitude goes to the North Bay woman who matched. 

"We are eternally grateful to Michelle, and her family, her partner, two young children and sisters, who also sacrificed during this process in order to help our family have more time with John," said McCann. 

McCann hopes this story drives more people to get on the donor list.  

"Please celebrate with us by registering your consent to donate your organs and tissue," she said.  

"You could, one day, save up to eight lives."

If you are moved by the generosity of John’s donor Michelle and are contemplating being a living donor for someone in need, health officials say there are still so many deserving people sitting on the waiting list for a deceased donation in Ontario who may never receive one.

You can find more information HERE