Tom Matthews

He was born in Woodstock, New Brunswick. After university he joined the RCMP in 1972, and following a rewarding career, Tom retired in 2007.

In 2005, Tom was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and was told that within 5 years he would need a double lung transplant. After the initial shock he decided to double down to survive this. He exercised to maintain his strength and followed his doctor’s advise to the letter. During the pre-transplant process, he participated in two drug studies for a cure.

Tom received the gif of life, a double-lung transplant on 11 July 2009. A second of life was given to him. He was very thankful and wanted to give back for what he had received. Working with family, friends and transplant recipients, the 2nd Chance Trail Ride was started to promote organ and tissue donation, and help others through their transplant journey.

Morris Irvine

Morris was diagnosed with COPD and was on oxygen for 3 years before deciding to accept an organ transplant. He was inspired to accept transplantation from other recipients that were in similar situations. Morris has a loving wife, 6 children, 23 grandchildren and 9 great grand children. Morris received a double-lung transplant in March 2011 after only 11 months on being on the waiting list. Morris and his family are forever grateful to the donor that gave Morris a 2nd Chance at life. He went from not being able to walk across the house and to driving his team of horses again. Because of this, Morris and Fae decided they needed to give back. In May 2012 they hosted their first trail ride and raised over $20,000. Over the years this has grown attendance to over 300 participants on the trail, over 500 people for supper.

In the fall of 2017 he was introduced in the Alberta Legislature by the honorable Sarah Hoffman; Deputy Premier and Minister of Health for his dedication and commitment to bringing awareness to organ and tissue donation.

Albert Jacques

My name is Albert Jacques and I have always lived near St. Paul. I was a farmer, jack of all trades, and worked several jobs off the farm in my lifetime. I am married to Denise and together we have 4 children who have families of their own as well.

My journey began in late summer of 2015. I was diagnosed with IPF (Interstitial Pulmonary Fibrosis). In 3 short years the disease progressed and I was put on the transplant waitlist on July 10, 2018, receiving that most precious gift on Nov 4, 2018.

This journey has impacted my life in immeasurable ways. It’s been almost seven years and 5 grandchildren later that I have now had the opportunity to know and love.

I have met lifelong friends on this journey and lost many along the way. I have learned to make the most of every day after the gift of a second chance to live.

The 2nd Chance Trail Ride Society helped pay the rent where we stayed for 7 weeks at Galen Loft apartments across the street from U of A. We were not aware of this society until my diagnosis. We are so grateful for the support, both financial and the friendships forged along the way. We hope to continue being active in the 2nd Chance Society to support other people having to get through this difficult journey too.

Sally Nydokus

I live in Lloydminster, AB and Paynton, SK

I had my liver transplant on April 29,2022

This journey saved my life and has made me grateful for every breathe, every step and every single moment I am so blessed to experience. My life was spared because someone lost theirs and chose organ donation which breaks my heart but also gives me all the strength to keep fighting, living and loving my most precious treasures, my family.

2nd Chance was not part of my journey due to my emergent transplant but I love what they have done for families and continue to do which is why I choose to have them part of my journey now.

Tammy Shields-Baker

I live in the Bonnyville/Cold Lake area. I received the gift of life in the form of a kidney from my good friend Stacey Cherry (Living donor) on November 18, 2020. My journey has impacted my life in that I cherish every day. I live my life with an open mind and heart and don’t take anything for granted. Adventure is my game! 2nd Chance trail ride society donated money for me to help pay bills and put groceries on the table while I was off from work. Their assistance helped to make my time off more stress free and therefore I could concentrate more on healing! It is my pleasure to be able to ride and donate $ back every year at the annual trail ride. I am yet more proof that organ donation works!

Kristy Thackery

I live in Chestermere, Alberta, and received my heart transplant on May 26, 1996.
It’s difficult to put into words just how much that gift has meant to me – it’s not a simple answer. My transplant gave me the chance to live a full and meaningful life. Because of it, I was able to become a mom, a wife, and experience moments that once seemed impossible.

Without organ donation, the last 28 years of memories, laughter, and love would never have happened. My daughters wouldn’t be here, and I wouldn’t have had the privilege of watching them grow. Every day is a reminder of the incredible impact of one selfless decision – the decision to give life.

Elaine Bartee

I am from the Stoney Lake area between Elk Point and St. Paul. On April 4, 2018, I received a most precious gift from my 38-year-old niece, Jamie Lynn Elaine Michi: a kidney! As my nephew Brad said: I am only as old as my youngest part so instead of being 60, I turned 38 that day!! A new lease on life!! Truly, it has been a wonderful journey, and I am so blessed. From being too weak to even get up out a chair on my own before going on dialysis, I am now active and productive. My husband and I have rediscovered all sorts of trails in the Whitney Lakes Provincial Park and have enjoyed several other Alberta parks as well. We walk daily at our acreage too (weather permitting) or I climb on the stationary bike for a half hour or so at a time. Last fall we got 2 large truck loads of logs. I use the chain saw to do most of the cutting while Colin sets up the electric splitter. We then split and load the blocks into the trailer that holds about a quarter of a cord. Almost 80 of these trailers later, we are just about finished both loads of logs.

It’s a wonderful way to start a day. The folks from 2nd Chance Trail Ride have been a huge support. Being part of this group helps me see that everyone’s journey is so different but then again, somewhat the same. Together we can ensure that no one goes through this alone. They also give me an outlet for another passion: quilting. Along with my quilting guild, the Kalyna Country Quilters, and several other friends, we provide quilts and support pillows to new transplant recipients – it is in giving that we receive! I feel such a sense of well being knowing that we are supporting others through these gifts. We are all grateful to be part of this caring and generous team. Gratitude is the attitude!

Chantel Stumpf

From Spruce Grove, AB. Diagnosed with Interstitial Lung Disease due to Lupus. Received the great gift on October 27, 2016.

We were a young family when I my lungs started dying. At 31 years old, I was listed for a Double Lung Transplant. Felt like we needed a miracle as I had some rare markers that needed to be matched up and I was losing lung capacity quickly. 10 months later my gift of life from a high-risk donor came. Unfortunately passed from IV Drug use. RIP my friend Now 8 years later, I started a career in Underwriting Commercial Property Insurance. My husband & I opened an electrical business and most off all, I give back as an Ambassador for Organ & Tissue Donation.

I try to live each day the best I can. Scratching of those bucket list items, spending time with friends & family and most of all. Grateful for my 2nd Chance.

Without 2nd Chance Trail Ride being apart of my journey, we would have not had food on our table, water for warm showers and gas to get to the hospital daily. They saved and supported us through our journey. For this, we are forever grateful to this amazing foundation

Thank you!

David Robicheau

I live in Cold Lake. On April 8, 2018, I received the precious gift of life – a liver transplant. This marked the beginning of a challenging yet profoundly meaningful journey.

Life post-transplant has been far from easy, but it has granted me something invaluable: more time with my children. Watching them grow and being able to spend quality time with them has been a blessing I cherish every day. My wife, a steadfast pillar of strength, stood by my side unwaveringly throughout this ordeal, reminding me constantly of the joy and love that surround me.

Part of my journey involved the incredible support of the 2nd Chance Trail Ride. They offered us crucial assistance in various forms, including monetary contributions, gas cards, and grocery cards. These gestures were not merely practical support but heartfelt gestures that eased our burden significantly. During our three-month stay in Edmonton, we were fortunate to stay in subsidized apartments conveniently located across from the U of A hospital. This accommodation was a godsend, especially with three young children and the logistical challenge of commuting between Cold Lake and Edmonton.

The support from 2nd Chance Trail Ride didn’t end there. Inspired by their generosity and compassion, my wife and I felt compelled to give back. We began volunteering our time and efforts to raise awareness for organ donation and support the organization that had played such a pivotal role in our lives.

Through these experiences, I’ve come to appreciate the profound impact of community and generosity. The journey of transplant recovery is not just about physical healing but also about the bonds formed, the kindness received, and the resilience discovered. I am grateful for every moment I get to share with my family and for the second chance at life that I have been given.

Tim Holiday

I received the best Christmas present ever on Dec. 23, 2023, in the form of a liver donation. The impact on my life and my family’s life has been incredible. I lived with liver disease for many years, and the progress was relatively slow. Slow so you don’t really notice the change. You think you are functioning in life with work and family, but reality was quite different. My whole world has changed since my transplant. I did not get to see my kids for 6 weeks and the first thing my daughter said was ‘Dad, your eyes are so white again’. And that was just the beginning! It took time and hard work, but my mind is so clear, and my energy has returned. I haven’t felt this good in so many years. I truly have a 2nd Chance, and I am not going to waste it.

I did not use the resources from 2nd Chance because I did not realize they were available. I had tremendous support from family and friends and lucky enough to have the resources I needed to get through. I now know what 2nd Chance does for promoting organ donation and providing all kinds of supports to those going through transplants. I will support this wonderful society for the rest of the life I am so grateful to have.

Jan Pysyk

I live in Sturgeon County, Alberta.

My mom was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease called Primary Biliary Cirrhosis, which severely affected her liver. On October 18th, 2004, I had the privilege of donating 40% of my liver to her. This year marks 20 incredible years since that life-changing day – a milestone that fills our family with immense gratitude and pride.

Through this journey, I gained a deep understanding of the transplant process and an even greater appreciation for the incredible medical teams who dedicate their lives to saving others. Their commitment, compassion, and tireless work made all the difference for our family.

Over the years, I’ve also met so many amazing and inspiring people whose lives have been touched by organ donation – from recipients to living donors to families who have given the ultimate gift. Each story is a powerful reminder of how organ donation connects us all through hope, generosity, and second chances.

Kari Hogan

I live in Spruce Grove Alberta and had received the gift of life on September 26, 2023. I was diagnosed with liver disease in 2009 at the age of 37 and told I would one day need a liver transplant. As a healthy and fit individual, the news was shocking to say the least. Living with liver disease was a challenge, and after receiving the transplant I now have a new start to living a long, full, active life. It has been a difficult journey since receiving the transplant, but every day gets better. 2nd Chance supported me on this journey by providing financial assistance while I was not working, easing some of the worry. Being part of this amazing organization has also allowed me to meet many people who are proof that organ and tissue donation helps so many.