A dedicated advocate for organ and tissue donation at Health Sciences North is being recognized at the provincial level for her compassion, leadership, and commitment to patients and families.
Rocsan Vaillancourt has been named a recipient of the 2025 Provincial Donation Champion Award by Ontario Health through the Trillium Gift of Life Network. The award honours healthcare professionals across Ontario who demonstrate exceptional advocacy for organ and tissue donation.
Vaillancourt, who serves as a MAID Navigator in Sudbury, was nominated for her unwavering dedication to ensuring donor wishes are respected and fulfilled. She is recognized for consistently identifying opportunities for donation, maintaining strong communication with provincial coordinators, and remaining available, even after hours, to support patients, families, and care teams.
Her work goes beyond clinical coordination. Vaillancourt is also known for educating colleagues and promoting best practices, helping to strengthen awareness and understanding of organ and tissue donation across the hospital.
"It's is an absolute privilege to do this work," said Vaillancourt. "In moments defined by dignity, compassion, and choice, I'm continually humbled to witness the extraordinary where life continues through the generosity of others. It is something I carry with me, in both heart and purpose, every day."
Most notably, her nomination emphasized the compassion she brings to every interaction. She provides empathetic support to donors and their families during some of life’s most difficult moments, helping to transform loss into hope for others.
“Rocsan exemplifies the very best of organ and tissue donation advocacy,” said Laurie Lamour, Specialist, Organ and Tissue Donation with the Trillium Gift of Life Network. “Her dedication, strong collaboration with our teams, and willingness to go above and beyond, often after hours, help ensure that donor wishes are honoured. Most importantly, she brings genuine compassion and respect to every interaction, supporting families through incredibly difficult moments while helping turn their generosity into life-saving opportunities for others.”
Last year in Ontario, 362 deceased donors gave the gift of life, leading to 1,088 organ transplants. Thousands more lives were improved through the generosity of 2,051 tissue donors. A single donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation and transform the lives of up to 75 others through tissue donation, a powerful reminder of the impact awareness can have.
Over 1,600 people in Ontario are currently waiting for a life-saving organ, while thousands more rely on tissue donation to restore health and mobility. Since 2003, more than 25,000 Ontarians have received a life-saving transplant. However, important work remains to help more people receive the gift of life when they need it most.
This recognition underscores the vital role healthcare providers play in advancing organ and tissue donation, and celebrates the quiet but profound impact of those who help make it possible.
To learn more about organ donation, visit www.beadonor.ca.