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Bieber pumps life into Ontario organ donations

Justin Bieber walks off the court during second half NBA action between the Toronto Raptors and the Indiana Pacers in Toronto on Wednesday December 28, 2011. (Frank Gunn / THE CANADIAN PRESS) helene campbell, beanorgandonor Canadian pop star Justin Bieber made a number of charitable visits ahead of his concert Wednesday night.
Justin Bieber walks off the court during second half NBA action between the Toronto Raptors and the Indiana Pacers in Toronto on Wednesday December 28, 2011. (Frank Gunn / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

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Date: Friday Jan. 27, 2012 7:46 PM ET

A rally cry from Justin Bieber asking fans to become organ donors has done wonders for Ontario's Trillium Gift of Life Network, which has seen a boost in registrations from people offering to become organ donors since the plea was made last week.

Bieber, who frequently makes hearts throb, turned his attention toward other organs when he responded to an Ottawa woman's request for help.

Helena Campbell, 20, has been diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis – a rare lung disorder that requires a transplant. She has moved to Toronto for treatment and is on a waiting list for new organs.

Campbell has kept an account of her experiences on www.alungstory.com and has been trying to rally support for organ donations across the province.

Last week, Campbell and her friends came up with a plan to draw Bieber into the campaign by contacting him en masse through Twitter.

"Hey @justinbieber! I BELIEB you should use that Canadian voice of yours and help save lives like mine #beanorgandonor beadonor.ca #giveblood," Helene wrote from her Twitter account @alungstory.

The star from Stratford, Ont., forwarded her message to his 16.5 million Twitter followers, and followed it up with a plea of his own, asking followers to help spread the word.

Trillium Gift of Life Network, which operates the beadonor.ca website, saw an immediate spike in traffic to the website and an explosion in online registration.

The health network has received some 1,500 online registrations since Campbell began her campaign last Thursday. That is more than four times the amount the network usually receives.

The Trillium Gift of Life Network says there are about 1,500 people in Ontario awaiting a life-saving organ donation, plus more waiting for tissue transplants.

Comments are now closed for this story

not amused
said

Anyone who can donate should donate organs. One day it could be your friend, family member or you, that may need that help. Think of the life you may be saving or think about yourself and family if you should ever be so unfortunate to need an organ donation. It shouldn't take a celebrity telling people to donate their organs, to make a difference. Just look at anyone you care about in your life, and think about what would happen to them if they needed a new kidney or lung, etc... think about the small difference you can make.


Kevin K - Vernon BC
said

Organs are needed in EVERY PROVINCE, not just Ontario. There are currently over 4500 people waiting for transplants in Canada. In 2010, 247 people died waiting for a transplant. That is 1 person every 36 ours. What if one of those people was your child, sibling or friend? Would you not want them to have the gift of live?I was fortunate to receive a heart/double lung transplant; a second chance at life, after waiting only 9 months, MANY people wait years. Many never get a second chance. Live Life, then Give Life. Register as a donor, someone you love may need a transplant one day. In BC you can register your wishes at www.transplant.bc.ca It takes less than 5 minutes. Thank you to my Angel Donor for a whole new life.


Susie-Q Mtl.
said

It is so sad that it takes a celebrity like Justin Bieber & this Helena Campbell woman to get people to donate organs. It should come naturally out of the goodness of our hearts. Why was it necessary for H.C. to go on line for donations. My card is signed. When i dye what is good will be used. Come on people donate. One day you may need help. What if the organ wasn't there & you died? Amen. Bye.


Anne from Florenceville-Bristol NB
said

What a wonderful way to celebrate one's popularity! My husband had a double lung transplant in Toronto General Hospital. He was one of the lucky ones who only had to wait 3 months from the time he was placed on the waiting list. There are so many people waiting for transplants....it breaks your heart to see them all.... waiting.....hoping.... that it will be their turn soon. Once we are gone, our organs are no good to us....why not give someone the "Gift of Life" ? It's hard to lose a loved one, but so rewarding to see someone else's loved one go on living! Sign your Organ Donation Card....and give "the Gift of Life"!


Mike G
said

With so many people in need of a transplant it amazes me that in this day and age that organ donation isnt mandatory and you have to sign to not donate. The system would see a dramatic drop in burden if there were more organs available.


Soul2Burn (his biggest fan)
said

The star from Stratford, Ont., has 16.5 million Twitter followers.Imagine what he could do for the seniors of this country who HAVE Belieb in him since his first day on YouTube.At least He cares.And to all his haters I saw him busking at 13 in Toronto giving to the homeless BEFORE he became famous.


Michelle
said

A Proud Canadian moment...It is soo wonderful that a Canadian celebrity would use his fame and voice to help other fellow Canadians. Thank you so much Justin...and because YOU care, your fans will too!!! Thoughts and prayers to all those that require transplants


peter in mb
said

Is Justin Bieber an organ donor? He would be kind of a hypocrite if he did not sign his own organ donor card. just wondering.


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