Morinville business owner prepares for kidney donation with community support behind her

By Shelley Winger

Morinville massage therapist and small business owner Tiffany Santos is preparing for a life-
changing surgery later this month — one that she hopes will not only help a stranger in need, but
also raise awareness about living organ donation.

Santos, owner of TLC Mobile Massage, is scheduled to donate a kidney on Jan. 28 through
Canada’s living donor program.

Living kidney donation allows a healthy person to donate one of their kidneys to someone whose
kidneys are no longer working properly. Most donors can live normal, healthy lives with one
kidney after surgery, following a period of recovery. In Canada, donors go through extensive
medical and psychological screening to ensure the process is safe.

The decision follows more than a year of medical testing, uncertainty and waiting — a process
she chose to continue even after the original recipient she hoped to help received a transplant
from another donor. After first reaching out to learn how living donation worked, Santos felt
compelled to stay involved when given the option to withdraw or remain in the program.

She ultimately entered the kidney paired donation system, which matches multiple donors and
recipients when direct matches are not possible. The process often involves several tentative
matches before a final surgery date is confirmed.

As a registered massage therapist, Santos views helping others as central to both her work and
her values. Donating a kidney felt like a natural extension of a life spent caring for people, and
she hopes sharing her experience will help others understand that living donation is possible.

While preparing for surgery, Santos has been surrounded by support from the Morinville

community. Fellow business owners, clients, neighbours and friends have stepped in with
practical help and encouragement as she prepares for several weeks away from her physically
demanding work.

Local businesses have found creative ways to support her recovery, while others have offered
help with meals, transportation and household tasks. Santos said these gestures — both big and
small — reflect the strength of the Morinville community.

Understanding and compassion from her clients have also played a meaningful role. With her
surgery date shifting several times and personal responsibilities at home, clients remained patient
and flexible, continuing to prioritize their own health while supporting her through the process.

Through conversations sparked by her journey, Santos has heard many stories from people
affected by organ donation, whether as donors, recipients or loved ones still waiting. She hopes
that by sharing her story locally, more people will take the time to learn about living donation
and consider whether it might be right for them.

As she prepares for surgery, Santos said she feels grateful to be part of a community that
continues to show up with compassion and care.