Story Posted: 2025-09-25
A New Chapter in Jillian’s Kidney Journey
Jillian Lazurko has been living with chronic kidney disease since birth. Diagnosed with bilateral renal cystic dysplasia as a newborn, she spent much of her childhood traveling from La Ronge to Winnipeg for care, since pediatric kidney specialists were not available in Saskatchewan at the time. Jillian also developed diabetes and other health challenges, including tremors, which have added complexity to her care.
She first shared her story through the By Your Side Kidney Care Campaign, when she was adjusting to life on peritoneal dialysis. It allowed her to manage her treatment at home, giving her more independence and avoiding the long travel required for in-hospital dialysis. Around that time, she and her family relocated to Humboldt, where access to her appointments at St. Paul’s in Saskatoon became easier.
Earlier this year, Jillian received a kidney transplant — a major milestone in her lifelong health journey. Since then, she has been navigating the transition to post-transplant life with strength and persistence. One of the main adjustments has been managing her diabetes. The medication required to prevent organ rejection caused her blood sugar to rise, but working with a diabetes educator has helped her gain more control.
There have been challenges along the way, including some fluctuations in blood pressure and a viral infection related to immune suppression. These experiences led to a few hospital visits, but with close monitoring and the support of her care team, Jillian has continued to move forward. She says she feels ahead of where she was before the transplant, no longer tied to the strict schedule of dialysis and able to enjoy more everyday freedoms.
“It makes a big difference,” she says. “I can go out more. I don’t have to plan everything around dialysis or bring supplies with me everywhere.” She’s even planning a trip to Las Vegas for next year, something that felt impossible not long ago.
Corinne notes that the first six months after a transplant often involve finding a new balance, especially when other health conditions are involved. But, she’s optimistic about where things are heading. “It’s not a cure; it’s a different way of managing kidney disease.”
The education piece remains very important to both of them. Jillian and Corinne continue to share their experience to help others better understand kidney disease and the importance of a strong support system that includes education. For their family, being informed has made all the difference, which highlights the importance of the new Kidney Health and Education Center that will include transition programming to support families just like theirs. We thank Corinne and Jillian for continuing to share their story and for highlighting the importance of holistic kidney care in our province.
Learn more about the Kidney Health and Education Center at: https://www.stpaulshospital.org/foundation/campaign/byyourside.php