The Pesta family from Calgary has taken a unique approach in their quest for a kidney donor, placing a billboard in their community to appeal for help in finding a living donor for Alice Pesta. Alice has struggled with kidney issues since childhood, stemming from IgA nephropathy, which ultimately resulted in her needing a kidney transplant after years of dialysis. Despite receiving a kidney transplant that worked for 25 years, Alice's condition has progressed to the point where another living donor is necessary, as she is not suitable for receiving a cadaveric organ due to the specifics of her health situation.

Alice's medical history underscores the complexities of her condition; not only did she receive a transplanted kidney named Lucy, but the disease has been relentless, leading to damage even in that long-functioning organ. The Pestas have exhausted many options as Alice’s family members are not compatible donors, given her AB blood type. Her husband, Lou Pesta, has sought ways to assist, including the possibility of being a donor himself through kidney exchange programs but has found no matches within the familial circle. Their billboard campaign serves both as a desperate plea for help and a means to raise awareness about kidney donation and living organ transplants.

This public appeal emphasizes the urgency of organ donation while highlighting the emotional strain on families facing critical health crises. The use of billboards illustrates the lengths to which families may go in hopes of finding a compatible organ donor. It also informs the wider community about the need for more donors, potentially encouraging others to consider living donations as a viable path to saving lives, especially for those in situations similar to that of the Pestas.