Andria Rance does not regret going under the knife in 2012 to donate her kidney to someone she doesn't know in British Columbia.

The Portage la Prairie woman took part in a paired exchange program where nine people donated kidneys to nine other people anonymously.

"I'm very happy that I made the decision," says Andria Rance. "It was absolutely terrifying, it's a big operation and I was able to help my mom have an extra two years on her life."

Rance says her mom, Kirsten Burnell, was dealt a tough hand, sick with kidney disease, diabetes, and cancer. She was on dialysis "three times a week", travelling to Winnipeg each time.

Once it was clear her mother needed a kidney transplant, Rance took the tests, but found she wasn't a match. She learned about the paired exchange program, and knew she had to take part.

"She's not with us anymore, but those two years were a huge blessing," says Rance. "It wouldn't have happened without organ donation."

Kirsten passed away in March of 2014 at the age of 49, but in that time she was able to attend Andria's wedding and met her first grand-daughter. Andria says this is all because of someone she doesn't know.

"There are some really amazing people in this world," says Rance.

To become an organ donor, you can register at signupforlife.ca.