Saverina’s Story

Staying positive during the pandemic

by Heidi Westfield

Saverina keeps a close eye on her bloodwork these days. She hopes to stay off dialysis while she waits for a kidney transplant from one of her parents. The 22-year-old who lives in Hamilton, Ontario was born with smaller-than-average kidneys. Her current renal function is about 10 percent—low enough to require regular monitoring by her medical team. She was on course for a live transplant, but her surgery was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Doctors are watching her creatinine levels to ensure that they don’t get too high.

“I am still feeling really good,” she says, noting that she hasn’t experienced any of the usual symptoms of low kidney function. She doesn’t feel fatigued, or take any blood pressure medication. “My surgeon is always shocked when he sees how healthy I look.”

Growing up with a serious kidney condition has not slowed Saverina down. In her early teens, she produced her own blog and at 16, she hosted a cable television show in Hamilton. Living with kidney dysplasia, she feels, has helped her become stronger and more determined.

“I am kind of thankful for [the health condition] in a way, because it has made me the person I am. It helps me see life differently. I think it is all about perspective. You can sit around feeling bad for yourself or you can take action.”

One of the ways she is taking action, is with a performance and lifestyle coach. The coach provides advice on sleep, nutrition and exercise. She says that having this kind of help has made a huge difference: “Every time I take his advice, I lower my creatinine and I am back on track.”

Saverina also believes that staying focused on work helps lift her mood. She has carved out a niche in sports-oriented public relations, and counts a number of former and current NHL players as her clients. Last February, she was watching a Toronto Maple Leaf’s game when a back-up goaltender was brought in. David Ayres, a kidney transplant recipient, took to the ice. Seeing David on TV, performing at such a high level after a transplant, gave Saverina new hope for the future.

“I saw his story and reached out to his wife, Sarah, and I told her about my experience with kidney disease,” she recalls. She has stayed in touch with the couple, and helped David connect with The Kidney Foundation. Together, they collaborated with the Foundation and leveraged their networks to help raise $90,000 for an emergency fund to help kidney patients during the pandemic.

Saverina’s friendship with the Ayres family has helped her feel less nervous about her own health, and the procedures she may face in the months ahead. “Seeing David inspired me, and made me more positive about life post-transplant.” 