In just one year, Maica Machnik got married, ran an ultra-marathon and donated one of her kidneys...to a stranger!

Maica Machnik has always been a healthy, sporty woman; she plays basketball twice a week and is interested in several other sports. Over a year ago, at a family dinner, she learned that Shalesha, the daughter of a family friend, was very ill and in need of a kidney transplant. Maica instinctively mentioned that she could give her one. Believing she wasn't being serious, the family goes on with their dinner and changes the subject.

A few weeks later, the subject came up again. Maica decided to begin the process at the Kidney Transplant Clinic of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC).

"The more the process progressed, the more we realized that I was a perfect match for Shalesha! I had the support of my husband and father, but many people didn't understand why I would agree to give my kidney to someone I'd never met in my life. For me, it wasn't even a question; I had two and I knew I could continue to live a healthy life with just one, so why not!" says Maica.

The importance of living donors

Dr. Ahsan Alam is a nephrologist and co-director of the MUHC Multi-Organ Transplant Program. "When we evaluate living donors, we want the people who come forward to be healthy and to stay that way for the rest of their lives. We know that people who donate a kidney can live a normal life after donation and help those in need," explains Dr. Alam.

Dr. Alam made sure he was there for Maica throughout the process, and continues to follow her and give her advice so she can lead a safe and active life.

Sport still at the heart of Maica's life 

Last March, a year after her surgery, Maica completed her first ultra marathon. Specifically, she ran 78 kilometres and her team 550 kilometres in total, from Los Angeles to Las Vegas.

"It's important to me that people know that even after a kidney donation, you can continue to have an active lifestyle. I make sure I take the necessary precautions and listen to my body, but there's nothing I can't do. I was very proud to complete this ultra marathon, and I continue to play basketball twice a week," Maica emphasizes.

A new friendship for life

Maica and Shalesha are now linked for life and have developed a beautiful friendship. "I feel very connected to her and I know she'll always be in my life. She came to my wedding, I go to some of her children's events, we have dinners with our respective families and so on. I'm very grateful to have her in my life and to be able to count on this beautiful new community," says Maica.