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...
Organ donation saves lives. Thanks to organ donation and transplant research, recipients have the gift of time: time to spend with loved ones, time to make memories and time to pursue their dreams. Thanks to transplant research we can continue to help transplant recipients experience more Christmases. Numerous transplant recipients share how many Christmases they...
At just 18 years old, Cody Halfpenny has encountered more adversity in his young life than most people endure in a lifetime. Born with a congenital heart defect, Cody underwent four open heart surgeries before the age of two. For the next 11 years, Cody’s health remained stabled until he needed yet another heart surgery....
Born with a congenital heart condition called hypoplastic left heart syndrome, 16-year-old Abby Farnsworth has lead a truly remarkable life. Before her fourth birthday, she went through three open heart surgeries. Then Abby’s parents were given the bleak news: their daughter needed a new heart to survive. The family had to uproot their lives in...
Jordan Marcia has encountered many obstacles and challenges since receiving a heart transplant at three years of age, but that has not stopped him from living life to the fullest. When you meet Jordan, you’ll quickly realize his ability to dream big is only surpassed by his determination. Now 21 years post transplant, Jordan has...
The first ever Celebrate Transplant Research Event was a resounding success! The evening brought together a wide range of individuals including health care professionals, the public, transplant patients and financial donors. Everyone had their own reason for attending but it was evident that everyone shared an interest in and passion for transplant research. After the...
Fall is usually a time for transition and an opportunity to take stock of the year’s bounty. Here at the TRF, we are reflecting on a busy and productive spring and summer. Not only did we enjoy the sun and beauty of BC, but we were also busy doing what we do best – funding...
There is a section on our family blog titled “Daddy’s Diary.” When my wife Elaine started documenting our journey with transplant after our newborn daughter Addison underwent a heart transplant, I thought I would be interested in writing as well. I think so far in six years I have written one post. I used to...
There is no job more difficult than being a mother. There is also no job as rewarding. And though I am not one to celebrate Hallmark occasions, Mother’s Day has many layers of importance to me. On my first Mother’s Day – May 8, 2011 – my newborn baby girl received a new heart. Just...