(Audio: Jason Helm Talks with Mix 106.5 Morning Show Hosts Sarah Carmichael and J.C. Coutts)
An Owen Sound Police Identification Officer is donating half of her liver to her colleague.
Jason Helm is a Special Constable with the service and has Cystic Fibrosis.
A release from the Police Association of Ontario says Helm is experiencing liver failure and has been placed on the transplant list.
His colleague, Identification Officer Cory Fernando decided to get tested to see if she could donate to Helm and found she is compatible.
On February 16th, a portion of Fernando’s liver is scheduled to be removed and given to Helm.
Helm told Bayshore Broadcasting’s Mix106.5 Monday, “Through testing and more testing, and psych-evaluations she was found to be an anatomical match and her liver is perfect, so it’s great that she’s able to donate to me.” Helm says after the donation takes place, Fernando’s liver will re-grow back to its full size. He says the portion he will receive will grow as well. Helm says he expects it will take him about 6 months to recover from the operation and about 6 to 8 weeks for Fernando to recover.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, the liver is the only organ that can replace lost or injured tissue.
The Ontario Police Association says Fernando is nominated for its Hero of The Year award and says in a statement, “Cory has gone above and beyond by saving the life of a fellow co-worker. Giving part of her to someone else is amazing.”
Helm, who is in his 30s, grew up in Owen Sound and was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis as an infant. In addition to being a part-time Special Constable, Helm also works part-time in the police station’s records department.
An update from Helm on a GoFundMe page set up by Ashley Blum to raise money for Helm’s recovery says, “I appreciate all the thoughts, prayers, and positive vibes being sent my way,” adding, “Cory and her entire family, especially her husband, Chrishan, have been extremely supportive to both Kaitlyn and I.”
He says, “Although, overall I am doing OK, some days are rougher than others, and having my friends, family, and complete strangers reach out to me to send their wishes makes the dark days just a bit brighter.”
The fundraiser, which has surpassed its $ 10,000 goal will help Helm and his family find accommodation while he is in the hospital in Toronto, and will help support them while he is unable to go to work.