That’s how Dr. Ian Preyra, Chief of Staff at Joseph Brant Hospital describes playing a part in a world-first, alongside the team at Joseph Brant Hospital.

Mike Neill was a Burlington resident, a police officer in Peel region and an Ontario Hockey Association referee. Mike’s father was diagnosed with Huntington’s disease and Mike knew there was a 50/50 chance he would be diagnosed as well. And at age 33, he found out he carried the gene.

Fifteen years later, Mike chose a medically assisted death at home, but thanks to an incredible partnership between healthcare organizations, he was able to become the first person in the world to have a medically assisted death at home and donate his organs.

After his death, Mike’s body was transported to Joseph Brant Hospital where a surgical team removed Neil’s lungs and prepared them for transport to Toronto General Hospital for transplant.

The Toronto Star shared Mike’s story and the incredible lengths that the teams from Joseph Brant Hospital, Trillium Gift of Life Network, Ornge and Toronto General Hospital went to make this a reality.