Organ Donor's Hoop Dream Fuels Kidney Research

An international basketball tournament took place this past weekend in Canterbury, raising funds and awareness for kidney disease research.

This event holds personal significance for its founder, Eric Douglin, who received a life-saving kidney transplant in 2010. His wife, Mandi, was the organ donor following his diagnosis of chronic kidney disease.

Douglin first organized the World Club Basketball Tournament in 2015 as a charitable endeavor. He combined his love for basketball with a desire to support kidney charities and highlight the global need for organ donors.

Reflecting on his own experience, Douglin noted early symptoms of fatigue and lethargy prior to his diagnosis. He emphasized the importance of sharing his story to inform others about the organ donation process, recognizing that not everyone is as fortunate to have a readily available donor.