WATCH: A Calgary woman who won last year’s Mrs. Canada title is hoping she can help a member of Spirit of the West with a serious health problem. Catherine Urquhart reports.
A Calgary woman is hoping to help out her friend, the drummer for the West Coast band Spirit of the West, by donating him a kidney.
Vince Ditrich, 52, has been undergoing dialysis several days each week since he was diagnosed with kidney failure two years ago.
Angie Shilliday — who also happens to be the 2014 Mrs. Canada International — is close to being approved as Ditrich’s kidney donor.
The two embraced in a Vancouver hotel yesterday, with Shilliday optimistic she would soon be fully approved.
“It’s emotional,” she said.
“The risk is so, so minimal compared to the benefit. This is a life. There are so many people on the wait list that are dying, needlessly.”
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Ditrich has played for acts such as Long John Baldry, Great Big Sea and Doug and the Slugs, but has been with Spirit of the West since 1989, also becoming the band’s manager in 2001.
The band also announced last year that lead singer John Mann, 52, has been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
Ditrich and Shilliday have been friends for more than 20 years, after she married his childhood friend.
“It’s like she’s given me a boost because my battery died,” Ditrich said. “Nothing clears the mind like a death sentence.”
She first thought of becoming a candidate in March, when she called Ditrich and noticed his mood was different than usual. After learning of his situation, Shilliday asked for more information about being a donor.
At first, Ditrich refused. But Shilliday continued doing research and getting tests. Now, after months of examination, Shilliday may get the green light within the next couple of weeks.
“I am ecstatic. It’s been a long road and finally it’s here,” said Shilliday. “I just can’t wait for him to be healthy and back on his feet.”
She said she never had a doubt about her decision to donate.
“I was born with two healthy kidneys, he wasn’t. Friends share!” she said.
Ditrich hopes Shilliday’s actions will inspire others.
“Step up if you can, and when you get that opportunity, show your gratitude, because it’s a miraculous thing.”
– With files from Global News
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