Searching for Answers Early one spring morning in 1982, Earl Howell woke feeling unwell, with the whites of his eyes transformed into the color of lemons. A trip to the doctor gave an initial diagnosis of hepatitis, which proved incorrect and set Earl and his family on a tumultuous journey to find answers. Endless tests,...
Life is defined by moments and events. Moments that transform how we view the world, define our priorities, and test our strength. Shelby Gielen clearly remembers the day her life changed. The second of four children, Shelby enjoyed an active lifestyle, and was busy preparing for a provincial swimming competition when she was struck with...
It is often said if you want an honest appraisal of a situation, ask a child. You are likely to receive an answer that does not underscore nor overstate reality. For eight-year-old liver transplant recipient Ian Sewell, this is especially accurate, “Transplant lets you be with your family. It is hard sometimes and hurts sometimes....
With a movement towards greater patient engagement in Canadian research, it has become even more important to involve our transplant community in the research we fund. One key way we endeavour to do this is by sharing updates on our funded projects with our community at our annual Celebrate Transplant Research event. This September marked...
The unique bond that characterises Adam Fine and Anthony Eden’s friendship dates back over two decades to when the two men were in elementary school. As is often the case, their lives took them in different directions upon graduation from university. Anthony pursued a career in law and went on to become a successful lawyer...
When the Canadian Transplant Games were in Vancouver this July, transplant recipients from all over Canada came to participate. Everyone had their own reason for attending but the gratitude for a second chance at life was clearly shared by everyone in attendance. This gratitude was multidimensional. Caregivers and supporters came to cheer on their loved...
What do purebred cattle, cross-country travel and nine grandchildren have in common? They are all part of Katrine and Ed Conroy’s unique love story. In the 37 years that Katrine and Ed have been married, they have weathered more adversity than most couples endure in a lifetime. Ed’s complicated health history began in 1991 when...
What an Eventful 2017! 2017 is now behind us and we looking ahead to 2018 with excitement and hope. It’s that time of year to take stock of the past year’s accomplishments, set goals for the year ahead and look forward to new experiences. That is likely how many transplant recipients and their families are...