Racism and cultural beliefs can affect organ donations in some communities: doctors

By Camille Bains THE CANADIAN PRESS VANCOUVER- A kidney-shaped cake will likely be on the menufor Reema Garcha and her family as they celebrate the six-year anniversary of her kidney donation to her older sister. That’s been the traditional dessert to mark Feb. 26, 2018, when the bond between Garcha, 46, and Binn Johal, 51, deepened through their shared experience as organ donor and recipient. Johal’s worsening autoimmune disease meant she needed a transplant. And when doctors suggested she ask someone to consider donating one of their kidneys, Garcha, her mom and brother were ready to help. “I felt like I won the lottery when they told me I was a match,” Garcha said from Langley, B.C. But many people in the South Asian community fear asking family and friends…

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