Local kidney donors to conquer three Guatemalan volcanoes to prove there are no limits after donation

Two living kidney donors are gearing up for an extraordinary adventure to show the world that donating an organ doesn't just save lives—it can open up new possibilities.

Mary McFarlane from Bright, Ont. and Connie Rodgers from just north of Elmira, Ont., are preparing to summit three Guatemalan volcanoes in just under two weeks, tackling more than 8,000 feet of elevation.

"I think since donation, wellness and fitness has just become more of a focus for me," Rodgers told CTV News.

For McFarlane , this isn’t her first epic climb. In 2024, she summited Mount Kilimanjaro to raise awareness about living kidney donation. Now, she’s back with a new challenge and a new climbing partner.

"It's just nice to have those people who understand that part of your journey too," said McFarlane.

She also says taking on a feat like this requires a lot of training.

Connie Rodgers (Left) and Mary MacFarlane (Right) on a snowy hike in this undated picture. (Courtesy of Mary MacFarlane)"This is going to be more of an intense incline for us because they're shorter hikes and you're covering a lot of distance in that short period of time," McFarlane said. "So that piece is going to be definitely a challenge. We've been packing our backpacks with heavy weights to help prepare us."

Rodgers, who donated her kidney three years ago to save a stranger, is embracing her first major climb with determination. For Rodgers, this journey is deeply personal.

Connie Rodgers the morning after her surgery in this undated photo. (Courtesy: Connie Rodgers)"I'm feeling nervously okay about it, if that's the term," she said, laughing. "So, there's not a day that really goes by at this point that I shouldn't be pushing myself to do something. It just seemed like a great way to do that, to have that goal, to work hard towards something."

Their adventure is organized by Kidney Donor Athletes (KDA), a group whose mission is to educate people on kidney donation and to increase the number of living donors.

"When you're healthy, you have a million wishes, but when you're sick, you have one wish," said KDA board member, Steve Mura. "Our goal is to inspire others, show others that, 'look, I can do this with one kidney. You can also do this with one kidney.'"

Mary MacFarlane participating in a marathon. (Courtesy: Mary MacFarlane)The trek will see them scaling the peaks of Acatenango, Pacaya, and Atitlan, navigating steep trails, volcanic ash and unpredictable weather.

"One day, you'll have extra food in your bag, another it's extra water bottles or clothing depending on the weather. [It's about] getting used to your gear out there, hiking with a pole, getting in three or four miles. Whatever you can do to gradually build yourself up to it," Mura explained.

Connie Rodgers pictured with her grandson in this undated photo. (Courtesy: Connie Rodgers)Each climb is a testament to their message: donating a kidney doesn’t slow you down—it sets you free.

"Being on the side where I've had a family member who did desperately need a kidney, I know the struggle that those family members and friends go through while waiting for someone to get that much needed donation," McFarlane said. "So, just showing that you can have that fun, active, healthy life afterwards and what adventure it can bring to you too."

According to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, 12,284 Ontarians with advanced chronic kidney disease require dialysis and six per cent of those on dialysis are on the waitlist for a transplant.

Currently, 4.7 million Ontarians or 35 per cent of the eligible population, have registered to be a donor for organ and tissue donation. McFarlane and Rodgers hope their climb inspires others to consider becoming living donors.

"To be able to provide that for someone is quite an honour, actually," Rodgers said.

The pair will begin their trek on Jan. 26, carrying not just their gear but the hopes of thousands still waiting for second chances.

"If anything, it's brought more to my life with the people that I've met and being able to share the message of donation, it really is remarkable," McFarlane said.

After seeing CTV News Kitchener's previous story on McFarlane's past climb, Rodgers connected with her to inquire about this year's climb. The kidney donor duo reached out to us with hopes of sharing their message ahead of their journey to Guatemala.