A Whitby kidney donor and her stepfather are preparing to walk together this month after a successful transplant changed the course of their family’s year.
Whitby resident Shannon Ottonen donated one of her kidneys to her stepfather, Shawn, on May 4, 2026. The Town of Whitby shared their story in Mayor Elizabeth Roy’s September newsletter ahead of the Durham Region Kidney Walk on September 27.
A decision made as kidney function declined
According to the Town’s account, Shannon began researching living donation after learning that Shawn’s kidney function had fallen to about 15 per cent. She later told him that she intended to become his donor shortly before he walked her down the aisle at her wedding.
The assessment and waiting process continued for approximately two and a half years. During that period, Shawn’s kidney function declined to about six per cent and he required dialysis.
The family was later told that Shawn likely would not have survived beyond the end of 2026 without the transplant, the Town said. The surgery was successful, and the pair are now planning to participate in the walk together only months after the procedure.
Shannon said she does not view herself as a hero. In the Town’s account, she explained that Shawn had always filled the role of a father in her life and that she was unwilling to lose him.
Durham Region Kidney Walk returns to Whitby
The 2026 Durham Region Kidney Walk is scheduled for Sunday, September 27, at Heydenshore Pavilion in Whitby. The national Kidney Foundation event calendar also lists Durham Region among the Ontario walks taking place that day.
Shannon and Shawn will participate as part of Team Richter – Connected for Life. Last year, the family walked while hoping for a transplant that would extend Shawn’s life. This year, their participation will mark his recovery and support fundraising for people affected by kidney disease.
The Kidney Foundation describes its walks as gatherings for patients, transplant recipients, donors, families and supporters. Dates and start times vary by community, so residents considering participation should confirm the latest Durham event information through the organization’s registration page before attending.
Living donation leaves a local impact
The Whitby family’s experience brings a local perspective to an issue that can otherwise be described mainly through medical statistics. Their story includes the uncertainty of declining organ function, the lengthy donor-assessment process and the practical effect a compatible living donor can have on a family.
It also connects the September walk to a recent outcome involving Durham residents rather than treating the event only as a fundraiser. The Town highlighted the story to encourage awareness and participation while recognizing Shannon’s decision and Shawn’s recovery.
Residents can register for the Durham Region walk or support Team Richter through the links provided by the Town and the Kidney Foundation. Organizers have not published all local scheduling details on the national overview page, so participants should rely on the event registration page for updates.
Sources: Town of Whitby; Kidney Foundation of Canada; Durham Post
Featured image: original AI-generated editorial illustration by AllAboutDurham.com; it does not depict Shannon, Shawn or a specific hospital.
