Scott Young’s life was not a long one, just 39 years, but it was a life of purpose, action and contributions to others. Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at age 4, Scott never let his health interfere with what was important to him.
After graduating from McMaster University, his health seriously declined but he was given a second chance at life with a double lung transplant at the Toronto General Hospital. Scott was passionate about expressing his gratitude for this “second chance” experience.
Along with his joy of a career in the financial world as a stock broker with BMO Nesbitt Burns in Hamilton, Ontario and a financial advisor with the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in Sudbury, Ontario, Scott devoted much of himself and his time to raising awareness about organ donation.
He always honoured the organ donors and their families in the many media interviews and presentations he gave for the Canadian Lung Association and the Kidney Foundation. He chaired several committees including the Organ Donor Awareness Committee for the Kidney Foundation of Canada.
Scott would visit the health professionals who had the difficult task of asking families to donate the organs of their loved ones. He made a great effort to thank them for the life he was now privileged to live.
Although Scott had many healthy years after his transplant, the final 18 months of his life were long, hard and courageous. He passed away on August 17, 2003. The Scott Young Foundation continues the work that had such meaning for him.
