There were two major chapters to Scott’s life. Before transplant and after transplant. Before transplant was a pretty normal life in many respects given the health challenges he faced on a daily basis. His focus was appreciating both the joyful and the challenging opportunities in his life, and trying to stay healthy so he could live that life to the fullest. After transplant, his life took on an even deeper sense of meaning. It was built on a foundation of gratitude, gratitude for the “gift of life” he had been given, and gratitude to all who contributed to that gift.
Scott Young (1964-2003)
March 27, 2013 by ·
Scott Young’s life was not a long one, just 39 years, but it was a life of purpose, action and contributions to others. Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at age 4, Scott never let his health interfere with what was important to him.
After graduating from McMaster University, his health seriously declined but he was given a second chance at life with a double lung transplant at the Toronto General Hospital. Scott was passionate about expressing his gratitude for this “second chance” experience.
Along with his joy of a career in the financial world as a stock broker with BMO Nesbitt Burns in Hamilton, Ontario and a financial advisor with the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in Sudbury, Ontario, Scott devoted much of himself and his time to raising awareness about organ donation.
He always honoured the organ donors and their families in the many media interviews and presentations he gave for the Canadian Lung Association and the Kidney Foundation. He chaired several committees including the Organ Donor Awareness Committee for the Kidney Foundation of Canada.
Scott would visit the health professionals who had the difficult task of asking families to donate the organs of their loved ones. He made a great effort to thank them for the life he was now privileged to live.
Although Scott had many healthy years after his transplant, the final 18 months of his life were long, hard and courageous. He passed away on August 17, 2003. The Scott Young Foundation continues the work that had such meaning for him.
Videos
March 26, 2013 by ·
After transplant Scott participated in many media events and interviews to promote organ donor awareness. He was generous with his time and more importantly his story. We are fortunate to have excerpts of 8 of those interviews.
Camp Wenonah
March 25, 2013 by ·
Why Camp Wenonah? Jeff Bradshaw and his team at Camp Wenonah generously met the challenge to preserve Scott’s memory and to fulfill one of Scott’s wishes. Each year since Scott’s passing, Jeff has gifted a week at the prestigious Camp Wenonah to 10-15 children of the support team on the transplant ward at TGH. This generous gift was begun in 2004 and has continued to this day.
Welcome!
March 20, 2013 by ·
Welcome to the Scott Young Foundation. General updates will be posted here as available.
