02/16/2026
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Living Liver Donor for Kevin Michael Holst
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My name is Kathryn Holst. My son Michael has autoimmune liver disease. He is 34 years old and lives in Ottawa. Although he is eligible for both a deceased donor and a living donor, he was told by the liver specialists in Toronto to actively look for a live donor due to the limited number of livers available. Acquiring a liver from the deceased donor list can take years and without a liver transplant Michael’s life expectancy is two years. Michael needs a living liver donor with blood types A- A+ O+ O- to donate at Toronto General Hospital.
For a person diagnosed with liver disease there is a long and difficult wait for a deceased donor. Sadly, many patients die waiting. A healthy person (no diabetes, cancer, kidney or heart disease, healthy weight for height) between the ages of 16 and 60 years old can donate a portion of their liver in order to save his life. A liver is an incredible organ and can regenerate itself in 8 to 12 weeks.
The survival rate for donors at Toronto General Hospital is 100%. More than 1,000 living liver donor transplants have been done at Toronto General Hospital. All donors have returned to their regular lifestyle with no restrictions.
If Michael finds a living donor, he will be removed from the deceased donor list, making the wait less for someone else. The living donor will be saving TWO lives: Michael’s and another person on the waiting list.
Michael has done everything he can to keep his body healthy and strong. He has an autoimmune liver disease and it has been confirmed not to be alcohol related. The liver disease must be taken care of medically through transplant surgery.
Michael is a loving son, brother, cousin, nephew and friend to those who are lucky enough to know him. He is the proud owner of an adorable 2 year old schnauzer, cockapoo mix named Sam. Michael worked as a carpenter and was engaged in aquatic sports and cycling when he was healthy. He raised money for charities through the Army Run and the Terry Fox Run. He volunteered at the Good Companion Centre teaching Seniors to use carpentry tools safely. Michael provided assistance to Seniors in their homes by shoveling snow and doing household repairs. For five consecutive years he volunteered at the Ottawa Bluesfest contributing to Ottawa’s vibrant festivals.
A rapid decline in his health has prevented him from working and volunteering, and he is no longer able to live a fulfilling life. He is experiencing daily pain and discomfort, and low energy. Michael requires assistance from his family to take Sam for his routine walks when he is physically incapable. His family also supports Michael with shopping, cleaning and household chores due to his weakened condition. Without a liver transplant Michael was told by the liver specialist in Toronto that his life expectancy is two years.
Michael’s goal post transplant is to go for a long hike with Sam, camp outdoors and go back to work as a carpenter.
Despite the fact that he is exhausted most days, Michael is hopeful that a living donor will step forward. His family and friends want nothing more than to see Michael thriving and pain free. He needs someone brave and generous enough to give the gift of life to save his life.
To learn more about living donation and to apply to become my living liver donor, please visit: https://www.uhn.ca/Transplant/Living_Donor_Program/Pages/living_liver_donor.aspx. There is a 12-page health history to be completed here:https://www.uhn.ca/Transplant/Living_Donor_Program/Documents/Living_Donor_Health_History_Form.pdf You must provide proof of blood type, either from your blood donor card, or through a family physician. Completing and submitting this health history is your application. The application form asks for his full name, Kevin Michael Holst, and his date of birth, February 20, 1991.
Candidates go through a comprehensive assessment to ensure they are healthy enough to donate. For expenses like travel, food, accommodation and income replacement, there is a reimbursement program through Trillium Gift of Life for up to $6,000 each for the donor and their caregiver. Trillium will reimburse expenses even if you get part-way through the screening process and change your mind or aren’t accepted. You can also submit receipts for reimbursement throughout the process and don’t need to wait until after the surgery. You can live anywhere in Canada and will still be reimbursed to travel to Toronto. More information here: https://www.giftoflife.on.ca/en/transplant.htm (scroll down to the Living Donation section).
Anyone can help by sharing this post.
If you’d like answers to any questions about living liver donation, contact:
Centre for Living Organ Donation at UHN
Phone: 416-340-5400
Email: livingorgandonation@UHN.ca
Website: http://www.livingorgandonation.ca
You can ask questions anonymously to learn more about living liver donation. Communications between a potential living donor and donor team are confidential and not shared with the recipient.
The UHN Centre for Living Donation hosts weekly on-line information sessions for potential donors, people on the waitlist and caregivers. To register for the next Potential Living Liver Donors session, please visit https://givelifeuhn.eventbrite.ca
To view stories from across Canada of living liver donors and recipients visit www.greatactions.ca
Please share this with anyone you know who might be willing to help. We will need someone brave and generous to give the gift of life.
Thank you so much to anyone who applies and spreads the word. We are all deeply grateful to you.
