O'Reilly grew up in a small town close to the shores of Lake Huron called Seaforth, Ontario. During his childhood, he would regularly head to the rink before school where the family would befriend the Zamboni driver and rink manager, Graham Nesbitt. Nesbitt would allow O'Reilly and his brother Cal to skate at the Seaforth Community Centre after hours. Years later, Nesbitt required a kidney due to a condition called IgA nephropathy, also known as Berger's disease. Along with many in the community in Seaforth, and nearby Clinton the O'Reilly's mother Bonnie stepped up the plate to offer Nesbitt a kidney that he learned he desperately needed in 2019.
The gift of life is precious and should be celebrated, but if you're unwell it's hard to do so. Ryan O'Reilly's character has shone through at times and it's no wonder, having a family like his. The selflessness of an individual to offer a kidney to someone else so that they may have the opportunity to enjoy life a little longer can be a difficult decision to make.
Catch the E:60 episode featuring the O'Reilly's and their gift of a lifetime to Nesbitt, airing on ESPN Sunday May 14, 2023 at 12PM EST.
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MAI 6 | 133 ANSWERS ESPN releases first preview of new documentary covering Ryan O'Reilly's life and family and it looks incredible Will you watch this documentary? | ||
Absolutely I will | 103 | 77.4 % |
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If I have time | 13 | 9.8 % |
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