Matt Scaife underwent a lifestyle attitude adjustment at the age of 39 thanks to a liver transplant that saved his life.
Leading up to the surgery, Scaife was working for the Western Star truck manufacturing plant in Kelowna, working double shifts or whatever he could to get ahead financially, saving for his future.
But that all changed 18 years ago for Scaife, after getting a second chance at life.
“I went back to work after the operation for a time at Western Star before the plant shutdown, but I stopped doing all that extra work. I realized my future was now going forward and to take the time to enjoy just waking up every day.”
Related: Transplant recipients give back
Since the surgery, the 56-year-old Scaife has walked his daughter down the aisle for her marriage and since became a doting grandfather to her two children.
“It changes your perspective. Without the transplant, I wouldn’t have been able to experience any of that.
“Previously where I might have said I’d like to do that someday, now I just plan to do it.”
Scaife, now a Kelowna mortgage broker, is an enthusiastic participant in the annual BC Transplant’s Operation Popcorn tradition, where transplant recipients, living donors and family members thank hundreds of health professionals across B.C. for the gift of life.
Scaife was on hand for the popcorn presentations in Kelowna and at Vernon Jubilee Hospital on Wednesday, something he has done for the past 16 years.
Related: Transplant recipients say thank you
He said the hospital staff often deal with the donor and donor’s family, but don’t often get to meet the transplant recipients.
“I think doing this really resonates with the staff and with us as well,” Scaife said of the popcorn note of appreciation.
“It’s a nice way to say thanks.”
This year, almost 100 volunteers, transplant recipients like Scaife, will deliver more than 100 tins of popcorn to 28 hospitals in B.C. and one in the Yukon.
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