We're nearing the end of #GreenShirtDay, spreading awareness of organ donation.

Those that know me well know organ donation is a major issue for me, because of my history with this issue. 1/9

When I was a teenager, my cousin Angela, a year younger than me, died from cancer. She was only 16.

At one point, she needed an organ donor, and I was just gutted that I couldn't do anything.

I vowed if the opportunity ever arose, I'd be an organ donor.

2/9

In late 2011, I was on Reddit and randomly came across a link to someone's blog. It was a guy about my age, saying his mom desperately needed a liver donor.

The story touched me, as it would anyone. But I remembered what I promised myself, and said I'd get tested. 3/9

I made an appointment at Toronto General for a few tests. Bloodwork to start. Once I was found to be a match, I got booked for a ton of appointments. I was essentially at the hospital every day for a week.

I was told my liver was a match, and they wanted to book surgery 4/9

Normally you get at least a week or two. However, on a Thursday, I was asked to have surgery on Monday. Time was of the essence.

For whatever reason, I said yes. In a few days, I had to make arrangements with my profs, tell my work I needed to go on leave immediately. 5/9

It somehow went down without a hitch. On Nov. 28, 2011, I had about 65% of my liver removed. I was in hospital for a week, then between my mom's and dad's for about a month while I recovered.

In Feb. 2012, I finally got to meet Lucy and her amazing family.

6/9

They're like a second family to me. And they've taken me in like a son. I was at one of Lucy's son's wedding in 2013, and the whole family was on the top of my invitation list when I got married in 2018.

7/9

Now I know what I did is a lot. I'm not asking you to be a live donor like me. Although if you do, that would be awesome and I would offer every piece of advice I have.

But it is easy to register as an organ donor. So when you die, you can help save the lives of others.

8/9

In Canada, register online at http://beadonor.ca . It's incredibly easy, and could mean the world to someone else.

So take a minute and register.

#GreenShirtDay 9/9