Winnipeg brothers enjoy medal haul at Canadian Transplant Games

Following a highly successful week in the nation’s capital, Winnipeg’s Tanner McLeod is back home with some new bling — capturing three gold medals and two silver medals at this year’s Canadian Transplant Games.

Tanner and his brother Teemu McLeod were among 120 organ recipients and living donors to compete in the national event.

It’s signature event from the Canadian Transplant Association that showcases the power of organ donations.

“It’s an amazing event,” said Teemu.

The Transplant Games are held every two years – in a different city across Canada – where transplant recipients of all ages compete in multiple sports and events.

Just three years ago, this month’s medal haul seemed out of reach, as a severely anemic Tanner was in desperate need for a stem-cell transplant. 

His brother stepped up to provide him with the gift of life. 

“It’s the feeling of knowing you’re going to save someone’s life,” said Teemu. “Especially if it’s 100 per cent chance.

“It should be a no brainer.”

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For Teemu, the medals are nice, but seeing his brother healthy and happy is the true reward.

“Having that feeling sharing that moment with another person’s family you’ve never even met, it makes it even more special that I get to share it with him,” he explained.

“We weren’t laughing when we were going through the health scares,” said Meranda McLeod, the boys’ mother. “But we were laughing at the closing gala because of our success stories.”

Meranda recommends anyone interested in becoming a donor to get involved, as you never know who you may save. 

She adds that seeing her sons succeed side by side is something she’ll forever cherish.

 “As a mother whose son had a similar journey,” she said. “It was really amazing to witness.”