Riverside Teenager Breanna Van Watteghem Awaits Lifesaving Kidney Transplant

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Breanna Van Watteghem, a 13 year old from Windsor sits in a London hospital waiting for a lifesaving kidney transplant.

Her family has been taking turns to be by her side, as she endures dialysis, takes dozens of medications and endures needle prick after needle prick. While in Windsor her friends and family have rallied together to host fundraisers to assist with the costs of her family commuting to and from London while they attempt to maintain work and their family home in Windsor.

Breanna plays forward for the Riverside Rangers and has been playing hockey since she was six years old. She loves to smile, laugh, loves Spongebob Squarepants, video games, drawing, colouring, playing games, and spending time with her three siblings. She was a regular teenager until one week ago when she started playing the toughest game of her life, waiting for a kidney transplant.

Breanna’s family and friends are organizing a pasta fundraiser at Just Your Average Joe’s located at 1286 Lauzon Road on Saturday, February 25th. Children’s activities will begin at 3pm which will include a clown, magician and crafts. Dinner begins at 5:30pm with live entertainment beginning at 8pm.  Tickets are $20.00 per adult and $7.00 per child (12 and under). To get tickets or to donate prizes please contact Maureen Thrasher at 519-739-9802 or [email protected]

The process of organ transplantation and the hospitalization that is required during this procedure can be very costly. Therefore, family and friends are hoping to raise enough funds to assist with covering the cost of the family monthly mortgage, utility bills, food, gas, and additional costs that may occur during this medical emergency for their beloved daughter.

Currently there are 1084 people waiting in Ontario for a kidney transplant. Until a donor is found for Breanna, she must undergo dialysis daily while waiting in hospital for the call that will give her a new kidney, currently Bree’s father Mark, is presently in the process of becoming a live donor, and giving Bree a second chance at being a teenager again.   Breanna and her family are asking the community to discuss their wishes with their loved ones and consider registering to be an organ donor. Residents of Ontario can register their wishes online.

To learn more about Breanna and Bree’s Soldiers please check out their website.   Family and friends will continue to keep the community updated on Breanna’s health and any updates on fundraising in the community.