Volunteer shares his story of being a donor recipient

If you’ve visited Brockville General and walked by the Trillium Gift of Life (TLGN) Be A Donor table lately, you’ve likely seen Bob Cheeseman sitting there. Bob is a local volunteer who’s sharing his experience of being an organ donation recipient.

In 1998, Bob was diagnosed with end‑stage liver disease. What started as chronic pain, nosebleeds, and feeling unwell quickly turned into a life‑threatening diagnosis. After years of testing and frequent hospital visits, Bob was told by his doctors that a liver transplant was his only option.

By the fall of 2006, Bob’s health declined rapidly. In early December, he was rushed to hospital and soon after he received the life‑changing call, a liver may be available.

“I was quite emotional when I got the call,” says Bob. “I didn’t realize just how much the whole situation was weighing on me, but once I got that call it was like all that weight just lifted away.”

In December 2006, Bob underwent a liver transplant at London Health Sciences Centre. The surgery was a success, and Bob began his recovery journey.

“There were some challenges along the way, but I’m so happy to say I’m still here 20 years later. I’m so thankful to my donor, their family for honouring their loved one’s decision, and to the healthcare system for saving my life.”

Now that Bob has recovered and retired, he asked himself an important question: How can I give back?

“I knew for a while that I wanted to be involved with TGLN and Be A Donor month. Which led me to reaching out to TGLN and they put me in contact with Brockville General.”

Bob spends his afternoons at the Be A Donor table, located at the main entrance of the hospital, to share his story with anyone interested and promote the importance of being an organ and tissue donor.

“It’s because of someone’s generosity that people like me are still alive,” Bob says. “And by me being here to share my story, I hope in some small way I can show just how impactful that decision can be.”

Bob’s message is simple but powerful; registering to be an organ and tissue donor can save lives. Learn more about registering your consent to be an organ and tissue donor by visiting the Be A Donor table or by visiting www.BeADonor.ca/BrockvilleGeneralHospital.