In death, this ‘brave’ teenage goalkeeper from Ontario’s First Nation saved many lives by donating her organs
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Anizabeth Kaia Denise Vasava-Rae was determined to become a goaltender when she was about six years old and later became the only girl on her hockey team. Heading from North Caribou Lake First Nation to Thunder Bay, Ontario.
Today, Kaia – her everyday name – is being hailed as a hero for what she did off the ice: registering as an organ donor before her death at the age of 18. 26 March.
Kaia’s funeral will be held today at North Caribou Lake, also known as Wegamo or Round Lake. His The liver, both kidneys, heart, pancreas, lungs and vessels were donated. All except the vessels – which have been stored for future use – have already been transplanted into investigated recipients.
“His last act was his greatest act; seven lives saved, a legacy of as much bravery as anything he had ever saved,” said his mother. Stacy Rae.
Rae told CBC News that Kaia died by suicide – she had struggled with her mental health and bullying.
“Some kids can hide a lot behind their smile,” Rae said. “If you meet her, you’ll see her big smile. She’ll light up the room.”
A hero runs to a young hero
Kaia’s family members aren’t the only ones who have recognized her desire to help others.
A special Hero Walk was held Saturday at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Center (TBRHSC), where Rae and other loved ones lined the hallway in hockey jerseys as the teen was wheeled in for an organ removal procedure.
North Caribou Lake First Nation is an Oji-Cree community approximately 320 kilometers north of Sioux Lookout in northwestern Ontario. It is part of the Nishnaabe Aski Nation, a political-regional organization that represents 49 First Nations in Treaties 9 and 5.
Kaiya is believed to be the youngest NAN member to donate her organs. Her family hopes Kaia has inspired others to consider becoming a donor.
Among those at the hospital Saturday was NAN Grand Chief Alvin Fiedler, who said he was there “to witness Kaiya’s final gift of life and love.”
“Our love and condolences to his parents, siblings and everyone who loved him. May our Creator give you comfort this night and in the days to come,” Fiedler wrote on Facebook.
Tributes are being paid to Kaia on social media. A crowdfunding campaign to support his family has raised nearly $8,000.
‘He is still alive’
Kaia’s love of hockey began when a group from Toronto traveled to North Caribou Lake First Nation to teach children how to play hockey. Immediately, she was intent on learning how to become a netminder.
“She didn’t know how to skate,” her mother said. “She was very determined. Whatever she wanted, she got it.”
(Thunder Bay Elks Hockey Association/Facebook)
Thunder Bay Elks Hockey Association pays tribute to Kaia Facebook post on Saturday.
“Kaiya played for a number of teams throughout his childhood, but the 2021-22 season was a special one for us; we were lucky enough to really get to know him that year. As a goalkeeper for our U15A Elks, Kaiya was instrumental in leading the team to a city championship,” the post said.
“To continue her passion for saving, Kaia made the selfless decision to become an organ donor. Her final gift will save seven lives – seven monumental rescues to complete her legacy.
“Although his life was too short, those of us who met him were fortunate to have experienced his kindness and his generous heart.”
Kaia graduated from Thunder Bay’s all-Indigenous high school, Dennis Franklin Cromartie, last spring. Recently, he earned certification to become a heavy equipment operator and plans to work with his father.
Rae said Kaia knew a lot of people through school and sports and always put the needs of others before her own.
Her mother remembered when Kaia found two teenagers wandering outside in the cold, and called them inside to take a hot shower and change clothes.
“My daughter used to say, ‘Everyone deserves a second chance.’ She just wanted to help them,” Rai said. “She was very talented.”
Kaia said she wanted to become an organ donor after learning that her late uncle and a friend of his had done so.
About 35 per cent of eligible Ontarians Register as organ donorsAccording to the Trillium Gift of Life Network. As of December 31, more than 1,600 people were waiting for organ transplants in the province.
As Kaiya’s family and community recover from her loss, Rae said she hopes her daughter will be remembered for her kindness and compassion.
“He helped seven people,” Rai said. “He’s still alive.”
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