By Ana Gajic



Watch Giordano’s stories and sign up to be a donor, or check your registration status online today at our donor drive.

Nearly 43 years ago, Roberto Giordano received a kidney transplant at St. Michael’s Hospital. It was the early days of transplant, but when the doctors asked if he wanted the opportunity to have a kidney transplant, Giordano didn’t hesitate.

“I had nothing to lose,” said Giordano, who was 24 years old at the time.

He received a new kidney in 1976 and since then he has been able to have another child, find employment, buy a house and build a stable life for his family. Now, Giordano spends his days watching his grandchildren.

“Having a kidney made a huge difference in my life and I’m forever grateful to the person who donated it.”

April is BeADonor Month and Giordano’s story is the fourth in a series of patients we’re profiling to celebrate our Kidney Transplant Program’s 50th anniversary. It’s called a called #MyTXanniversary, and we want to encourage more people to register as organ donors and highlight its patients and staff by sharing stories of their own transplant anniversaries.

Watch Giordano’s stories in the short videos on this page and sign up to be a donor, or check your registration status online today at our donor drive.

About St. Michael’s Hospital

St. Michael’s Hospital provides compassionate care to all who enter its doors. The hospital also provides outstanding medical education to future health care professionals in more than 27 academic disciplines. Critical care and trauma, heart disease, neurosurgery, diabetes, cancer care, care of the homeless and global health are among the Hospital’s recognized areas of expertise. Through the Keenan Research Centre and the Li Ka Shing International Healthcare Education Centre, which make up the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, research and education at St. Michael’s Hospital are recognized and make an impact around the world. Founded in 1892, the hospital is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto.

About Unity Health Toronto

Unity Health Toronto, comprised of Providence Healthcare, St. Joseph’s Health Centre and St. Michael’s Hospital, works to advance the health of everyone in our urban communities and beyond. Our health network serves patients, residents and clients across the full spectrum of care, spanning primary care, secondary community care, tertiary and quaternary care services to post-acute through rehabilitation, palliative care and long-term care, while investing in world-class research and education. For more information, visit www.unityhealth.to.