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...
At just 41 years-old, Darvy Culleton has lived a life few people could imagine. Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF) at a very young age, Darvy always knew he was living on borrowed time. Without a lung transplant, CF would claim his life before he turned 30 years-old. Every breath was a struggle, walking was near...
She may not have a cape or be able to fly, but Lindsay Ma’s superpower is being able to survive and persevere through unimaginable adversity. At just 21 years old, Lindsay was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition where the heart muscle thickens. Over the next seven years Lindsay required three different defibrillators, a small...
“We called him DJ V or Master Chef Viraj” recalls Dheran Shahi of his younger brother Viraj, who died waiting for a double lung and kidney transplant. “He was truly the best brother anyone could ask for. I was lucky he was mine” Dheran says sadly. The loss of his brother has had a significant...
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...
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...
Living with cystic fibrosis meant a life in and out of hospitals for Miranda Frigon, a young mother whose radiant smile fills every room. Day-to-day tasks were a huge struggle. Decreasing lung function meant Miranda’s ability to enjoy time with her son was significantly affected. Two years ago, that all changed when Miranda received a...