Rick
Laiken
City:
Toronto
Family:
Wife, Ruth
Sons, Daniel & Josh
A Bit About Me
I have had a most fortunate life. I have been married for 42 years to my best friend, Ruth, a beautiful, talented and supportive wife. Together we raised two boys, Daniel and Josh, who have grown into fine young men. Both in their thirties, the eldest son is a software developer in Seattle and his younger brother is an Occupational Therapist in Vancouver.
I’ve worked as a journalist for 47 years, an exciting career that has taken me to Ottawa, Edmonton and Toronto. I have not retired, and I am still lucky enough to work full-time as a senior newspaper editor at the Toronto Star.
Unlike many patients with stage 5 CKD, I haven’t so far been severely impacted by symptoms of the disease. Although my GFR is very low, I do everything I can to stay healthy and enjoy the gift of life as long as possible. I work out seven days a week, maintain a healthy renal diet, and I hope, despite the inevitable progression of the disease, to continue to have the energy to pursue the simple pleasures as long as I can – walks with my wife, travel, spending time with my family, cooking, woodworking and gardening. Finding a donor is critical at this point in my kidney journey to ensure my longevity and quality of life.
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Comments from Rick’s wife, Ruth:
My husband, Rick, is the kindest, gentlest and most generous human being in the world, and he needs our help. Rick has been suffering from chronic kidney disease for many years, and it has taken a turn for the worse. Rick is now at the point where he will need daily dialysis to keep his kidneys functioning.
The only way to avoid this is through a life-saving kidney transplant from a kind donor. I have volunteered and gone through the process myself, as has Rick’s two sons and brother, Gord. Unfortunately, we were rejected as suitable donors in the final consultation.
Although the situation is dire, Rick never complains and is unerringly caring and compassionate about others, even when he is tired and his energy fails him. He is loved by all. We are very grateful for any help we are given along the way and pray that Rick can be quickly matched with a compatible donor to live a full and fulfilling life.
My journey with kidney failure
1990
1997
2021
2022
2023
2024
My chronic kidney disease journey began with a routine test that showed microscopic blood in my urine. The subsequent biopsy found only that I had “an active kidney,” which warranted annual monitoring.
My kidney function had declined to about 40%. My nephrologist started me on a course of medication which slowed, but did not stop, the downward spiral of my kidney function.
My kidney function had declined to the point that I needed to prepare for dialysis or a transplant.
After a series of bloodwork, lung and cardiac tests, ultrasounds and consultations with the transplant team at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Hamilton, I was completely cleared for a transplant; but I had no donor.
​My wife immediately stepped forward, went through donor testing, but was rejected. My eldest son went through testing as well but was ultimately rejected after a rare genetic disorder was detected. Subsequently, my youngest son was discovered to have the same genetic variant and so he, along with my brother Gord, were rejected as well.
My kidney function at present fluctuates between 9% and 10%, which is normally the point at which dialysis is needed. My nephrologist is holding off dialysis at present, since I’m mostly symptom-free, but it will not be for long. Fatigue and leg pain are my biggest challenges at this point.
Now I am turning to you to help me find a life-saving match!