Renata Mazzaferro & The Marching Angels

Just over a year ago, I was told I had six month to live. My lungs had given all they could. I was tethered to oxygen, barely holding on, and yet, I still prayed. I still hoped. And then, a miracle came.

On December 5th, 2023, I received the gift of life through a double lung transplant. That gift came from a stranger whose heart was big enough to give even in their  final moment, And it came through the incredible team at UHN doctors, nurses, and caregivers who treated me with not only medical expertise, but deep compassion and humanity. 

Today, I walk because I can. I walk because someone gave me breath again. I walk for the thousands still waiting. But I also walk for those who carried me here. 

I walk for my beloved daughter Angela, who passed away at 16. Though I cannot hold her hand, I feel her beside me in every step I take. Her love, her laughter, her spirit guide me. She is my angel, always walking with me.

I walk for my 4 children, who stood by me with unwavering love through every hospital stay and every frightening moment. I walk for my 6 beautiful grandchildren, who gave me the reason to keep fighting, and whose hugs remind me daily why I held on. To my husband who never let go of hope, to my brothers and friends who held on to hope. 

UHN gave me the chance to keep being a wife, a mother, a Nonna, a sister and a friend. 

This walk is my way of saying thank you. It’s for my donor, for my family, for my faith, and for love that never dies. 

I walk.....because you chose me to live. 

With the  outmost gratitude I thank you. Help me by donating to UHN, so that they may continue to do the incredible work that they do, each and every moment.

Thank you kindly for your support 

Renata Mazzaferrro