A Brother’s Life-Changing Kidney Donation

For Brandon Burns, family has always been everything. So when his health began to decline due to kidney disease, it was his family—specifically, his younger brother Hunter—who stepped forward in the most incredible way.

Brandon had known since childhood that one day, he would need a transplant. Kidney disease ran in his family. His grandfather had undergone a transplant, and his mother, Gail Burns, Director of Nephrology at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital (OTMH), has lived with the same condition.

But it wasn’t until his 20s, juggling fatherhood and a full-time job, that he truly felt the impact.

Exhaustion took over. He struggled to keep up with his kids, sometimes falling asleep at work, and experienced tingling in his hands. Life was slipping by, and his health was deteriorating.

Then, last Christmas, everything changed.

Brandon’s younger brother, Hunter, turned out to be the perfect match and selflessly stepped forward to donate one of his kidneys. The transplant was a success, and in the months since, Brandon’s life has transformed.

“I feel human again,” Brandon shared. “I have energy, I can run around and play with my kids. It’s like getting my life back.”

For the Burns family, this was more than just a transplant. It was an act of love, sacrifice, and hope. And behind every transplant story, there’s also a team of dedicated healthcare professionals ensuring the best care possible.

At OTMH, specialists work tirelessly to provide life-saving nephrology and transplant care for patients like Brandon. This Family Day, we celebrate the incredible bonds of family and the generosity that changes lives—whether through organ donation or through the kindness of those who support our hospital.

Watch Brandon and Hunter’s full story on Global News: