Meet the Voices Behind the Choir
Each voice in our choir carries a story of love, courage, and sacrifice. Every one of us has either received or given the gift of life through kidney donation — a journey shaped by family, community, and the bravery to share one kidney so another person can live.
Singing is our way of serving others. Through music, we honour our lived experiences, raise awareness in the Black community, and inspire more people to understand, support, and consider living kidney donation.
Together, we turn our stories into hope and hope into action.
Below, you’ll meet the voices behind our choir, each one a testament to resilience and the life changing power of living kidney donation.
Dela Idowu
Founder
I’m Dela Idowu, the creator of the Black Living Donor Choir. Through music, we’ve been educating, inspiring, and encouraging people to learn more about living donation, especially within the Black community. I’m proud of what we’re achieving, and I’m excited about the future as we continue to raise awareness and transform lives through GOLD’s community engagement work.
As someone who came forward as a living donor for my brother, I know firsthand what it’s like to have those difficult conversations. The lived experiences and collective stories of the choir help make these conversations easier, empowering more people to consider the life-changing impact of living donation.
Colin Vassell
BLDC Member
Story coming soon!
Carleen Kerr
BLDC Member
Story coming soon!
Sarah Louis
BLDC Member
My name is Sarah Louise, and I am a living kidney donor. In 2008, I donated one of my kidneys to my son because he needed a transplant, and I was a suitable match. Thankfully, he never had to go on dialysis, which allowed him to continue living his life and doing the things he loved.
As for me, I hardly notice that I have only one kidney. Donating a kidney has not changed my life in a negative way, but it completely changed my son’s life for the better. Being able to give someone a second chance at life is one of the greatest gifts I could ever give.
Phil Ryan
BLDC Member
Story coming soon!
Derricka Simpson
BLDC Member
Story coming soon!
Roseline Agyekum
BLDC Member
Story coming soon!
Polly Todd
BLDC Member
Story coming soon!
Chizoba Muoneke
BLDC Member
Story coming soon!
Suzanne Mark
BLDC Member
When my daughter was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus, our family was devastated. In a short period, her condition continued to worsen until we finally discovered that her kidneys were failing and she had chronic kidney disease. Dialysis became part of her life, leaving her exhausted and unable to live the life she wanted with her young children.
After a long assessment process and several postponed transplant dates, I donated her my kidney. Watching my daughter regain her health, return to work, and enjoy life with her children has been the greatest reward I could have imagined. Donating my kidney gave her a second chance at life, but it also gave our entire family hope and precious time together. Living donation truly is a gift that changes lives, not only for the recipient, but for everyone who loves them.
Vera Soares
BLDC Member
Story coming soon!
Bertram Jones
BLDC Member
Story coming soon!
Vicki Gordon
BLDC Member
Story coming soon!
Funmi Tinuoye
BLDC Member
Story coming soon!
Lloyd Esson
BLDC Member
Story coming soon!