The following was read at our 2012 GoodHearts Foundation Dinner:
We would like to take a few moments to remember those we have lost this past year. One of the most difficult aspects about working in the transplant community is the fact that we sometimes lose good people too soon. We especially want to remember Kevin Fankhanel.
Kevin passed away in the spring of this year. He was one of the founding members of GoodHearts. One of the first to join the board, he was a very active member and director. Kevin served as vice-president, chair of the transplant housing committee and editor of the newsletter.
Kevin spearheaded the GoodHearts cookbook project. The book was published and delivered to his home shortly before Kevin was hospitalized in February.
He was especially proud of the cookbook, just as he was of the progress the transplant support group had made during the past five years. Kevin was always keen to volunteer, whether it was to help with the Patient Education Day, the Candlelight Service, this dinner, and raising organ and tissue donor awareness.
Kevin is remembered as a friend, founder and supporter of GoodHearts. He is greatly missed.
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Testimonial - Faith
The following was read at our 2012 GoodHearts Foundation Dinner:
A friend of mine arrived from Manitoba to receive a new heart, and his wife and girls needed to be close to the Mazankowski Centre and we struggled to find appropriate accommodations.
As it turned out, she was the first heart transplant family member to rent one of your apartments and akthough her stay was brief, it was wonderful to have this opportunity.
My friend, the heart recipient, had too many other problems and the amazing heart he received wasn’t enough to make him better, and he passed away.
I wanted your organization to know that in the midst of all our sorrow and grief, it was such a bright spot to have connected with GoodHearts, and to know what a great need you are filling with the two apartments you have. I believe that unless you are in such a situation, you have no idea what families are facing in such times of stress and worry about a loved one, so knowing that you can provide a comfortable place to go to that is only moments away from your loved one’s bedside is a tru blessing.
Thank you for the good work hat you do. I have passed on this story to everyone as I talk about this experience with friends and family. And I will tell people about your organization should I ever see someone needing this help.
- Excerpt from a letter from Faith, of Fort Saskatchewan
A friend of mine arrived from Manitoba to receive a new heart, and his wife and girls needed to be close to the Mazankowski Centre and we struggled to find appropriate accommodations.
As it turned out, she was the first heart transplant family member to rent one of your apartments and akthough her stay was brief, it was wonderful to have this opportunity.
My friend, the heart recipient, had too many other problems and the amazing heart he received wasn’t enough to make him better, and he passed away.
I wanted your organization to know that in the midst of all our sorrow and grief, it was such a bright spot to have connected with GoodHearts, and to know what a great need you are filling with the two apartments you have. I believe that unless you are in such a situation, you have no idea what families are facing in such times of stress and worry about a loved one, so knowing that you can provide a comfortable place to go to that is only moments away from your loved one’s bedside is a tru blessing.
Thank you for the good work hat you do. I have passed on this story to everyone as I talk about this experience with friends and family. And I will tell people about your organization should I ever see someone needing this help.
- Excerpt from a letter from Faith, of Fort Saskatchewan
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Testimonial - Liz & Bob
The following was presented at our 2012 GoodHearts Foundation Dinner:
I received a double lung transplant on Feb. 17, and am doing very well.
We had the privilege of staying at Kaelyn’s Place on Sasktachewan Drive. We really enjoyed the lovely apartment and a most gorgeous and peaceful view from the large window in the living room.
I spent many hours lying and resting on the couch and enjoying the view. We were very happy to have a nice place to stay while so far from home.
We appreciated, and still do, the GoodHearts Foundation’s generosity in allowing us to live in Kaelyn’s Place for almost three months.
Thank you for everything.
- From Liz & Bob, of Moose Jaw, Sask.
I received a double lung transplant on Feb. 17, and am doing very well.
We had the privilege of staying at Kaelyn’s Place on Sasktachewan Drive. We really enjoyed the lovely apartment and a most gorgeous and peaceful view from the large window in the living room.
I spent many hours lying and resting on the couch and enjoying the view. We were very happy to have a nice place to stay while so far from home.
We appreciated, and still do, the GoodHearts Foundation’s generosity in allowing us to live in Kaelyn’s Place for almost three months.
Thank you for everything.
- From Liz & Bob, of Moose Jaw, Sask.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
2012 Modry Bursary Winner
The following was presented at our 2012 GoodHearts Foundation Dinner:
Dr. Dennis Modry was the Director of the Heart and Heart/Lung Transplantation Program from May 1986 to January of 2007. He is currently the Clinical Associate Professor in both the Division of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery and Critical Care Medicine at the University of Alberta and is a tireless advocate for transplantation.
Dr. Dennis Modry was the Director of the Heart and Heart/Lung Transplantation Program from May 1986 to January of 2007. He is currently the Clinical Associate Professor in both the Division of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery and Critical Care Medicine at the University of Alberta and is a tireless advocate for transplantation.
People living with transplants - donors or recipients - often face unique financial and personal challenges whether going to school for the first time or retraining for another career.
This $500 bursary is intended to alleviate some of that financial burden.
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| Our president Jackie (R) presenting Ashley with her bursary cheque at our 2012 Dinner |
We are happy to announce Ashley Peregrym is the first ever recipient of the Dr. Dennis Modry Bursary.
Ashley is in her final year of nursing at the University of Alberta.
She was in grade 11 when her dad, Gerald received a heart transplant, and the experience had a profound affect on her.
The compassion and support her family and father received from the transplant staff impressed her greatly. Her interests turned to the medical profession and she decided to become part of this caring community of individuals.
First she became an advocate for organ transplantation because she knows how profoundly this priceless gift can affect a family.
Ashley then decided to become a registered nurse.
“Nursing is where I am meant to be” she says, “because I knows how much my dad and family appreciated the support they received from nursing staff throughout our journey.”
Sunday, October 14, 2012
2012 GoodHearts Dinner - Recap
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| 2012 GoodHearts Dinner - Visit our Facebook page for more photographs of the evening. |
Our president, Jackie Foord, was Master of Ceremonies for the evening and presented on a number of items. She introduced current board members present for the evening (Silvio Dobri, Maggie Baczynski, Jenn Card, and Helen Klimo), current board members unable to be there (Barb Foxall and Josh Eberhart) and past board members present (Linda Figgures, Sister Patricia and Ron Kube). As well, a moment of silence was held for Kevin Fankhanel, a board member whom we lost this year.
Jackie gave the following quick summary regarding what GoodHearts has been up to this year:
GoodHearts has been busy the past year. We continue to supply food and gas vouchers for those in need in the various transplant programs. We also provide Medic Alert bracelets for those who have had a transplant. However this year we have shifted our efforts substantially to focus on providing subsidized short-term housing for people living with transplants. Most of us in this room know that there are times when transplant patients need to be in or very close to the university hospital. Sometimes it is for regular treatments; sometimes it’s an unpredicted complication. For those who do not live in Edmonton, there aren’t many affordable options for longer term stays. That’s where GoodHearts comes in.In July 2011 we rented a single condominium on the south side. We subleased the condo to transplant recipients and their caregivers. GoodHearts pays the full rent and in turn we charge our tenants a lower rental rate. When the lease on the condo ended in July of this year, we began renting two apartments at the Galen Lofts. Both were occupied the first day.
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| See the entire presentation on our Facebook page. |
A slide show presentation entitled "GoodHearts Housing at the Galen Lofts" was shown at the dinner summarizing the GoodHearts Transplant Housing program at Galen Lofts with photos of the suites. Please visit our Facebook page to view the entire presentation or visit the Galen Lofts website for more information on the building and rental opportunities.
Other highlights included board member Maggie Baczynski presenting the first ever recipient of the Dr. Dennis Modry Bursary to Ashley Peregrym, a nursing student at the University of Alberta and board member Jenn Card reading two testimonials from patients who had stayed in the GoodHearts transplant housing. Read more about the Dr. Dennis Modry Bursary and Ashley, the testimonial from Liz & Bob or the testimonial from Faith.
Please visit our Facebook page to view more photos of the event in the 2012 GoodHearts Dinner Photo Album.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Guest Blogger - Jeff Simpson
Thank you to Jeff Simpson for speaking at our 2012 AGM. He has graciously provided us with a copy of his presentation from that day (which is uploaded to our Facebook page as the 2012 AGM - Insurance Presentation photo album) and offers the following thoughts:
It was a pleasure to spend the morning of Saturday, September 8th with
the GoodHearts members. Terribly sorry that a technical problem
prohibited me from using the LCD projector.
It should be noted that each case we work with is reviewed on its own
merits. As such I encourage members to call and relay their specific
set of conditions so that we might provide the best possible advise and
recommendations. Travel is very important to many Canadians, if we had
year round access to warm climates in our own country that might not be
the case.
Any time there is a situation that comes up requiring special attention
I would love to hear from you.
Best regards,
Jeff Simpson
President/Benefit Consultant
Simpson Group Insurance Services Inc.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Phone (403) 281-4403
Toll Free 1-800-263-0752
Fax (403) 281-4503
www.simpson-group.com
Sunday, September 16, 2012
GoodHearts Foundation Transplant Housing Dinner
Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012
Cocktails 6 p.m. — Dinner 7 p.m.
Mayfield Inn — 16615 109th Avenue
Dress: Business Casual
$50 per person — Table for 8 can be reserved
Dinner Prizes include an Edmonton Police Services Ride Along
The annual GoodHearts dinners have been a moving feast as well as a moving experience. Our fourth annual dinner is intended as a celebration and social gathering. The communal breaking of the bread will be a means to revitalize our six-year-old Foundation and reconnect with friends and colleagues who are on the transplant journey. It will also be a time to remember our members who have passed away.
GoodHearts members and supporters have a reason to celebrate. The Foundation has achieved much in a relatively short period of time. We will not have a silent auction at this year’s dinner, however, we a variety of prizes will be provided, including a ride along, which was donated by the Edmonton Police Services.
Tickets are available from GoodHearts members or contact us at info@goodhearts.ca.
Cocktails 6 p.m. — Dinner 7 p.m.
Mayfield Inn — 16615 109th Avenue
Dress: Business Casual
$50 per person — Table for 8 can be reserved
Dinner Prizes include an Edmonton Police Services Ride Along
The annual GoodHearts dinners have been a moving feast as well as a moving experience. Our fourth annual dinner is intended as a celebration and social gathering. The communal breaking of the bread will be a means to revitalize our six-year-old Foundation and reconnect with friends and colleagues who are on the transplant journey. It will also be a time to remember our members who have passed away.
GoodHearts members and supporters have a reason to celebrate. The Foundation has achieved much in a relatively short period of time. We will not have a silent auction at this year’s dinner, however, we a variety of prizes will be provided, including a ride along, which was donated by the Edmonton Police Services.
Tickets are available from GoodHearts members or contact us at info@goodhearts.ca.
Monday, September 10, 2012
2012 AGM Recap
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| Thanks to our volunteers (L to R) Heather, Fran and Shirley for manning our registration table |
We held our Annual General Meeting this past Saturday on September 8, 2012 at the Mayfield Inn. Thanks to all the GoodHearts members who were able to join us for the breakfast meeting and presentation.
Our president, Jackie Foord, chaired the meeting and presented her Annual Report which highlighted what GoodHearts has been up to in the past year, including a summary of our Transplant Housing and other programs. Watch for an upcoming post featuring a more detailed summary of the Annual Report.
Our new Board of Directors was elected and introduced to the members. The board is comprised of returning members Silvio, Jackie, Jenn, Maggie, Barb and Josh, along with new member Helene. In the coming months the directors will be introducing themselves to you.
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| Speaker Jeff Simpson presenting to the group |
Please visit our Facebook page to view a few photos of the event in the 2012 AGM Photo Album.
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Annual General Meeting
GoodHearts Annual General Meeting
Mayfield Inn
September 8, 2012
Breakfast at 9:30 AM
Meeting at 10:00 AM
The GoodHearts Foundation has moved its annual general meeting to September again. This year’s AGM will be held on Saturday, Sept. 8, at the Mayfield Inn, 16615 109th Avenue. The event starts at 9:30 a.m. and includes a buffet breakfast for members who have their dues up to date. Memberships can be purchased prior to the meeting.
Jeff Simpson, founder of Simpson Group Insurance Services Inc., is the AGM guest speaker. Travel insurance is a topic every transplant patient needs to address, especially since most travel to Edmonton prior to and post transplant. Then there’s leisure travel. Jeff has 21 years of experience in travel medical and health insurance. He works with insurance providers offering basic through complex medically underwritten insurance plans. He will present on the different types of travel insurance available and discuss the best ways for transplant recipients to secure coverage.
People who will attend the AGM are asked to call 780.437.6810 or e-mail info@goodhearts.ca by Saturday, Sept.1.
Mayfield Inn
September 8, 2012
Breakfast at 9:30 AM
Meeting at 10:00 AM
The GoodHearts Foundation has moved its annual general meeting to September again. This year’s AGM will be held on Saturday, Sept. 8, at the Mayfield Inn, 16615 109th Avenue. The event starts at 9:30 a.m. and includes a buffet breakfast for members who have their dues up to date. Memberships can be purchased prior to the meeting.
Jeff Simpson, founder of Simpson Group Insurance Services Inc., is the AGM guest speaker. Travel insurance is a topic every transplant patient needs to address, especially since most travel to Edmonton prior to and post transplant. Then there’s leisure travel. Jeff has 21 years of experience in travel medical and health insurance. He works with insurance providers offering basic through complex medically underwritten insurance plans. He will present on the different types of travel insurance available and discuss the best ways for transplant recipients to secure coverage.
People who will attend the AGM are asked to call 780.437.6810 or e-mail info@goodhearts.ca by Saturday, Sept.1.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
GoodHearts Newsletter Archives
The GoodHearts publish a newsletter every few months with information on our programs, upcoming events and interesting tidbits. Here is an archive of all our newsletters to date (adobe pdf).
Watch here for upcoming issues of the GoodHearts newsletter.
- Fall 2012 Newsletter
- Winter 2011 Newsletter
- Spring & Summer 2011 Newsletter
- Winter 2010 Newsletter
- Fall 2010 Newsletter
- Spring & Summer 2010 Newsletter
- Fall 2009 Newsletter
- Spring 2009 Newsletter
- December 2008 Newsletter
- August 2008 Newsletter
- May 2008 Newsletter
- April 2008 Newsletter
Watch here for upcoming issues of the GoodHearts newsletter.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Michael's Story
I was always kind of stubborn in a determined way. My symptoms had been progressing for years, but I just tried to ignore them. In time I was diagnosed with a genetic lung disease called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
One day I had to ask a roommate to drive me to emergency after several days of a progressive illness. While there I was diagnosed with pneumonia and my visit turned into a month-long stay. This bout of illness seriously compromised my lung function. Luckily, I was at the University of Alberta Hospital, one of the finest and busiest transplant centers in Canada. During my stay I was informed that I could be eligible for a double-lung transplant.
Shortly after leaving the hospital I registered for and completed the Breathe Easy Program. An excellent respiratory rehab program I highly recommend. Life was difficult but manageable as I was prescribed oxygen. On a good day I could walk around the block. On a bad day, getting dressed was a chore. Working was not an option and I would often question my quality of life. Eventually I started and completed the work-up at the U of A Hospital and was put on the transplant list in August 2010. The anxiety and second-guessing you go through is unimaginable, but I was told it could be two years so there was time to deal with it. I may have survived that long, but four months later I received the call.
The fear and apprehension I was feeling had been easy to cover up outwardly at least. Now it was gut-check time. I back-pedaled at first mumbling about having the flu and not being sure I qualified. Apparently that’s not uncommon and the transplant team anticipates those second thoughts. I managed to swallow the fear and agreed to go, thank goodness.
As it turned out, I was diagnosed with the H1N1 flu, which presented a challenge for the transplant team. I was told later that it was a first for anyone to be given a lung transplant while having the H1N1 influenza. As time was of the essence, the team decided to go ahead and started treatment with Tamiflu.
The operation was a success and I had received the greatest gift of all from someone I had never met. These days eating healthy, exercising and staying away from sick people is my new way of life.
Who knew that being able to walk to the store for milk or helping someone move would instill a sense of accomplishment. Certainly not me.
One day I had to ask a roommate to drive me to emergency after several days of a progressive illness. While there I was diagnosed with pneumonia and my visit turned into a month-long stay. This bout of illness seriously compromised my lung function. Luckily, I was at the University of Alberta Hospital, one of the finest and busiest transplant centers in Canada. During my stay I was informed that I could be eligible for a double-lung transplant.
Shortly after leaving the hospital I registered for and completed the Breathe Easy Program. An excellent respiratory rehab program I highly recommend. Life was difficult but manageable as I was prescribed oxygen. On a good day I could walk around the block. On a bad day, getting dressed was a chore. Working was not an option and I would often question my quality of life. Eventually I started and completed the work-up at the U of A Hospital and was put on the transplant list in August 2010. The anxiety and second-guessing you go through is unimaginable, but I was told it could be two years so there was time to deal with it. I may have survived that long, but four months later I received the call.
The fear and apprehension I was feeling had been easy to cover up outwardly at least. Now it was gut-check time. I back-pedaled at first mumbling about having the flu and not being sure I qualified. Apparently that’s not uncommon and the transplant team anticipates those second thoughts. I managed to swallow the fear and agreed to go, thank goodness.
As it turned out, I was diagnosed with the H1N1 flu, which presented a challenge for the transplant team. I was told later that it was a first for anyone to be given a lung transplant while having the H1N1 influenza. As time was of the essence, the team decided to go ahead and started treatment with Tamiflu.
The operation was a success and I had received the greatest gift of all from someone I had never met. These days eating healthy, exercising and staying away from sick people is my new way of life.
Who knew that being able to walk to the store for milk or helping someone move would instill a sense of accomplishment. Certainly not me.
Atticus's Story
(submitted by Atticus's grandmother Maryanne)
Atticus was born without a left ventricle in his heart. On Nov. 13, 2007, he entered the Stollery Children's Hospital for his third open-heart surgery with the hope of a full lifespan ahead of him. ... We knew that a transplant might be needed later, but after two very tough operations and delayed recovery, we were full of hope that this time he would sail through the operation and recovery and soon be back with his sister, Jordan.
That was our hope. ... [but] his failing heart left us all feeling devastated and Atticus in heart failure.
Although he was high risk for a heart transplant, on Jan. 24, 2008, he had his heart transplant.
After four months in pediatric intensive care, he was released from Stollery on Easter Monday. On April 8, he celebrated his third birthday by clowning with his five-year-old sister and eating chocolate cake. He is off oxygen and is the same loving, inquisitive, friendly little fellow he was on Nov. 13.
Atticus lives because of the skills, dedication and caring of the many health professionals we met on our four-month voyage through medical care in Alberta. ... His surgeon took two holidays that I am aware of during Atticus's crises and each time phone calls and e-mails were exchanged — some holiday. Some doctors continue to be available 24 hours a day for Atticus.
There were many very special doctors, nurses and other health-care professionals who stood out during Atticus's stay. One doctor continued to visit Atticus on her own time weeks after he had left the intensive care unit, even though the doctor was no longer assigned to that unit.
The true hero of this story is Atticus. He has a will to live and thrive that allowed the medical professionals to work their miracles.
Maryanne
Excerpts of a letter which appeared in The Edmonton Journal
Monday, April 14, 2008
Denis's Story
Two heart attacks — my first one was in 1988 and the second in 1991 — severely damaged my heart muscle. So began a journey to live with permanent heart disease and blocked arteries.
Two years later and after many extensive tests, the University of Alberta Hospital Cardiology Department discovered that my arteries, which had been opened up by angioplasty, were becoming blocked again.
In 1993, I required quadruple bypass surgery to replace the four damaged arteries with the arteries taken from my legs. This surgery could never repair the damage to my heart, but it allowed my heart to function better. My damaged heart would continue to fail and in 2002 the heart rhythm became so erratic that a pacemaker-defibrillator was surgically implanted to assist my heart.
In 2003 after taking a VO2 test, it was very clear a new heart was needed and I was placed on the transplant waiting list.
In August 2003 I received my new heart; thanks to a donor whom I will never know, but will always be a special individual to me.
The transplant brings a completely new perspective to a recipient. As I was healing from the surgery, there were challenges that served to remind me of the opportunity I had been given in my new life — the opportunity to see our children become accomplished adults, see my grand daughter grow up, and knowing there will be a future with my wife who is also my caregiver.
The struggles after surgery were minor compared to the benefits of a transplant. I became a new person as I enjoying different interests; even exercise is becoming something to look forward to. Proper diet and exercise are important to my long-term health and continued recovery.
What I am most grateful for is that I am able to plan each day, each month and even each year knowing I will likely be here to fulfil those plans. Before the transplant, life was a day to day existence, but after transplant, the opportunities seem endless.
GoodHearts is the best support program there can be. Who else but other heart recipients who have made this incredible journey, can relate to what it means to have a second chance.
GoodHearts also provides our caregivers the opportunity to share their experiences with other caregivers. Their journey through the process is as incredible as that of the recipients. Caregivers endure all the work, concerns and worries without question or thought for themselves, allowing us to focus on getting better each day. They are all angels in their own way.
In closing, I would like to say thank you to my heart donor's family. I would also like to thank my wife, the U of A heart function clinic, the heart transplant team, the surgical team, all of the physiotherapy staff and my family and friends who continue every day to provide a positive and supportive influence, which gives me the encouragement to continue getting better each day.
December 2006
Two years later and after many extensive tests, the University of Alberta Hospital Cardiology Department discovered that my arteries, which had been opened up by angioplasty, were becoming blocked again.
In 1993, I required quadruple bypass surgery to replace the four damaged arteries with the arteries taken from my legs. This surgery could never repair the damage to my heart, but it allowed my heart to function better. My damaged heart would continue to fail and in 2002 the heart rhythm became so erratic that a pacemaker-defibrillator was surgically implanted to assist my heart.
In 2003 after taking a VO2 test, it was very clear a new heart was needed and I was placed on the transplant waiting list.
In August 2003 I received my new heart; thanks to a donor whom I will never know, but will always be a special individual to me.
The transplant brings a completely new perspective to a recipient. As I was healing from the surgery, there were challenges that served to remind me of the opportunity I had been given in my new life — the opportunity to see our children become accomplished adults, see my grand daughter grow up, and knowing there will be a future with my wife who is also my caregiver.
The struggles after surgery were minor compared to the benefits of a transplant. I became a new person as I enjoying different interests; even exercise is becoming something to look forward to. Proper diet and exercise are important to my long-term health and continued recovery.
What I am most grateful for is that I am able to plan each day, each month and even each year knowing I will likely be here to fulfil those plans. Before the transplant, life was a day to day existence, but after transplant, the opportunities seem endless.
GoodHearts is the best support program there can be. Who else but other heart recipients who have made this incredible journey, can relate to what it means to have a second chance.
GoodHearts also provides our caregivers the opportunity to share their experiences with other caregivers. Their journey through the process is as incredible as that of the recipients. Caregivers endure all the work, concerns and worries without question or thought for themselves, allowing us to focus on getting better each day. They are all angels in their own way.
In closing, I would like to say thank you to my heart donor's family. I would also like to thank my wife, the U of A heart function clinic, the heart transplant team, the surgical team, all of the physiotherapy staff and my family and friends who continue every day to provide a positive and supportive influence, which gives me the encouragement to continue getting better each day.
December 2006
Dwight's Story
The heart transplant I received in 1986 did more than just saved my life. In many ways my life took on new meaning and focus as I learned to adjust to the physiological, social, mental and spiritual changes the event caused.
Unlike many others who had heart troubles prior to receiving a transplant — some for a number of years — I experienced heart failure just a couple months prior to needing a transplant. In retrospect, though, my heart functions had diminished over a period of three years. When I learned that I had only a couple of months to live and needed a heart transplant I was encouraged to visit the University Medical Center in Tucson, Arizona, as we were living in Phoenix at the time. I had decided not to consider transplantation as a solution to my heart problems. However, when I learned of the many — 98 heart recipients — who had received new hearts and were living healthy and active lives, as well as getting a lot of encouragement from transplant #97 — Bob Barnett — at the University Medical Center in Tucson, I decided to put my life into the hands of God and the medical centre transplant team. So on Aug. 4, 1986, at the age of 26 I received the miracle of new life from one, and the family of the one, who believed that a tragic death for the one could mean life for another.
Since my transplant, I have continued to lead an active life, refusing to let physiological issues hinder my love for and participation in sport and exercise. Since the transplant, my life-long partner and love of my life has given me three wonderful boys — now 19, 13, and 12 years of age — each of whom are similarly and competitively active in sports. Of all the things I appreciate most since my heart transplant, it is the many recreational activities, such as soccer, skiing, hiking, camping and golf — I can enjoy with my family.
There have been many people along the way who have encouraged and shown me that I am just as capable of achieving my dreams and personal goals as any other man.
Unlike many others who had heart troubles prior to receiving a transplant — some for a number of years — I experienced heart failure just a couple months prior to needing a transplant. In retrospect, though, my heart functions had diminished over a period of three years. When I learned that I had only a couple of months to live and needed a heart transplant I was encouraged to visit the University Medical Center in Tucson, Arizona, as we were living in Phoenix at the time. I had decided not to consider transplantation as a solution to my heart problems. However, when I learned of the many — 98 heart recipients — who had received new hearts and were living healthy and active lives, as well as getting a lot of encouragement from transplant #97 — Bob Barnett — at the University Medical Center in Tucson, I decided to put my life into the hands of God and the medical centre transplant team. So on Aug. 4, 1986, at the age of 26 I received the miracle of new life from one, and the family of the one, who believed that a tragic death for the one could mean life for another.
Since my transplant, I have continued to lead an active life, refusing to let physiological issues hinder my love for and participation in sport and exercise. Since the transplant, my life-long partner and love of my life has given me three wonderful boys — now 19, 13, and 12 years of age — each of whom are similarly and competitively active in sports. Of all the things I appreciate most since my heart transplant, it is the many recreational activities, such as soccer, skiing, hiking, camping and golf — I can enjoy with my family.
There have been many people along the way who have encouraged and shown me that I am just as capable of achieving my dreams and personal goals as any other man.
- My heartfelt thanks goes out to:
The donor family for their gift of life. - Bob Barnett mentor and friend — transplant #97 Tucson Medical Center.
- Dr. Isognogal and the transplant team of the Tucson University Medical Center.
- Ilene Burton, post-transplant co-ordinator, and post-transplant team of the University of Alberta Hospital who have taken exceptional care of me during the past 18 years and to whom I owe my life.
- Mark Haykowski, of the physiotherapy department at the University of Alberta, who proved and took me to a level of fitness that I never thought I would be capable of achieving.
- Ken Riess, my personal coach, mentor and friend without whom I would never have realized a life-long dream of running a half Ironman and some day a full Ironman.
- Silvio Dobri, president of the GoodHearts Mentoring Foundation, mentor and friend who has given me an opportunity to do something for the heart transplant community that I would not have been able to do on my own.
Jenafor's Story
We were snowbirds and delighted in golfing, swimming, travelling, dancing and walking. That was before I had CHF and before fatigue and weakness set it.
After I had a pacemaker, these things were possible but to a gentler and slower pace. I had the pacemaker for about 41/2 years., however, a new one and a defibrilator were installed recently.
Life has improved once more, but I am not dancing or golfing, or travelling very far as my name has been on the transplant list since the middle of of 2004. I can do light housework and laundry, but sometimes need help in the kitchen to prepare meals. Stirring, mixing a shredding. etc., is most tiring and I avoind it or leave it to my husband. I don't attempt grocery shopping or any shopping by myself. However, there are plenty of people — my husband, my sister and close friends who support me greatly.
Last summer I bought a handicap scooter, but have used it only to go around the Lake Beaumaris pathway. The scenery is quite beautiful and I enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. We live in a condo by the lake and there are many social activities to enjoy, but I usually pass on card games. I prefer instead to tape my favourite TV shows, read and do crosswords, etc.
That's my story for now and look forward to reading all of yours.
Note: Jennafor received her new heart on July 25, 2006 and is doing well.
After I had a pacemaker, these things were possible but to a gentler and slower pace. I had the pacemaker for about 41/2 years., however, a new one and a defibrilator were installed recently.
Life has improved once more, but I am not dancing or golfing, or travelling very far as my name has been on the transplant list since the middle of of 2004. I can do light housework and laundry, but sometimes need help in the kitchen to prepare meals. Stirring, mixing a shredding. etc., is most tiring and I avoind it or leave it to my husband. I don't attempt grocery shopping or any shopping by myself. However, there are plenty of people — my husband, my sister and close friends who support me greatly.
Last summer I bought a handicap scooter, but have used it only to go around the Lake Beaumaris pathway. The scenery is quite beautiful and I enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. We live in a condo by the lake and there are many social activities to enjoy, but I usually pass on card games. I prefer instead to tape my favourite TV shows, read and do crosswords, etc.
That's my story for now and look forward to reading all of yours.
Note: Jennafor received her new heart on July 25, 2006 and is doing well.
Kevin's Story
Being young — 27 — and healthy I did not have a family doctor, so for any medical problems I'd go to a medicentre.
In mid-November 1992 I had flu-like symptoms, so off I went to see a doctor. He gave me some medication to clear up strep throat. I had to go back several times because I was not getting any better. After some time of not improving I was sent for a chest X-ray and asked to come back with the pictures. The doctor looked at the X-rays and immediately sent me to the Grey Nuns Hospital emergency room.
I was examined by the cardiologist on call I and immediately put in the intensive care for the night. In the morning, I was transferred to the fourth floor and put on several medicines, a low salt and fluid restriction. They suspected the strep throat viral infection moved to the heart causing it to become enlarged.
The cardiologist said I had cardiomyopathy — a severe form of congestive heart failure.
I was sent to the University of Alberta Hospital for more tests and to be assessed for a heart transplant. After many tests and many new medications I was put on the transplant list.
I had not been able to work for a long time and all I could do is sit around, watch television and read. It was hard even to walk up a few stairs. But while on full rest at home I improved quite a bit. My heart had shrunk in size, but many tasks were still difficult.
In early June 1994 I was retaining water in the lungs and my heart had enlarged again — the condition was serious and the transplant team moved me up the list.
At 10:35 p.m. on Aug. 5, 1994, I was called and told they have a possible match and asked if I still wanted to have the transplant. They called again at 11:30 p.m. and said the transplant was a go and to be at the U of A Hospital emergency room by midnight. I was checked over and questioned about my health history then prepared for surgery. I showered using some iodine soap and told to try and get some sleep.
But I couldn't sleep — I was scared, yet excited at the same time.
At 6 a.m. on Aug. 6, they took me to the operating room and performed the transplant.
A few days after the operation the surgeon came to see me and talked to my wife and me and answered some of questions we had. He said the surgery took 3 1/2 hrs, there were no problems and I would be able to go home the following week.
It helped that I was young and was physically active before getting sick. He said I should be able to do anything I want to in about three months. So 10 days after the transplant I was sent home.
It was amazing, almost overnight I felt better than I had in almost 2 years. Through great care and working with the transplant team I have had no real problems and was able to return to work within six months.
Almost 13 years after my transplant, I am not held back by my condition — and just like the surgeon told me, I can do anything I like. I am still fairly active and I am very thankful to everyone who helped me through my ordeal. Yet I can't put into words how I feel about the family who gave me a second chance at a full and productive life by donating the heart of a loved one.
March 2007
In mid-November 1992 I had flu-like symptoms, so off I went to see a doctor. He gave me some medication to clear up strep throat. I had to go back several times because I was not getting any better. After some time of not improving I was sent for a chest X-ray and asked to come back with the pictures. The doctor looked at the X-rays and immediately sent me to the Grey Nuns Hospital emergency room.
I was examined by the cardiologist on call I and immediately put in the intensive care for the night. In the morning, I was transferred to the fourth floor and put on several medicines, a low salt and fluid restriction. They suspected the strep throat viral infection moved to the heart causing it to become enlarged.
The cardiologist said I had cardiomyopathy — a severe form of congestive heart failure.
I was sent to the University of Alberta Hospital for more tests and to be assessed for a heart transplant. After many tests and many new medications I was put on the transplant list.
I had not been able to work for a long time and all I could do is sit around, watch television and read. It was hard even to walk up a few stairs. But while on full rest at home I improved quite a bit. My heart had shrunk in size, but many tasks were still difficult.
In early June 1994 I was retaining water in the lungs and my heart had enlarged again — the condition was serious and the transplant team moved me up the list.
At 10:35 p.m. on Aug. 5, 1994, I was called and told they have a possible match and asked if I still wanted to have the transplant. They called again at 11:30 p.m. and said the transplant was a go and to be at the U of A Hospital emergency room by midnight. I was checked over and questioned about my health history then prepared for surgery. I showered using some iodine soap and told to try and get some sleep.
But I couldn't sleep — I was scared, yet excited at the same time.
At 6 a.m. on Aug. 6, they took me to the operating room and performed the transplant.
A few days after the operation the surgeon came to see me and talked to my wife and me and answered some of questions we had. He said the surgery took 3 1/2 hrs, there were no problems and I would be able to go home the following week.
It helped that I was young and was physically active before getting sick. He said I should be able to do anything I want to in about three months. So 10 days after the transplant I was sent home.
It was amazing, almost overnight I felt better than I had in almost 2 years. Through great care and working with the transplant team I have had no real problems and was able to return to work within six months.
Almost 13 years after my transplant, I am not held back by my condition — and just like the surgeon told me, I can do anything I like. I am still fairly active and I am very thankful to everyone who helped me through my ordeal. Yet I can't put into words how I feel about the family who gave me a second chance at a full and productive life by donating the heart of a loved one.
March 2007
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Marie's Story
On July 5, 2000, while dining out with two of my daughters, Melanie and Barbara, my heart stopped beating.
Luckily for me a student nurse who was at the restaurant performed CPR and got my heart beating again. I came to in the ambulance and at the Royal Alex Hospital, where the heart stopped again, Dr. Fenske worked on me for over four minutes until he got a heart beat.
I spent a week in the ICCU with a breathing and feeding tube and a temporary pacemaker attached to my leg. I then spent half a day in the stepdown, the other half in the ward and that night I had a permanent pacemaker installed. The next morning I had an angiogram where it was discovered that a disease called sarcoidosis had damaged my mitral valve causing a leak. There was no way to repair the leak as my heart was badly damaged, so I was sent home.
Dr. Archibald my respitory doctor had been monitoring my lungs with monthly X-rays for about a year. A biopsy had shown the disease was in the lymph nodes near my lungs. Sarcoidosis usually starts in the lungs or nodes and always travels elsewhere in the body — to the heart in my case.
While I was in the hospital Barb tried contacting the student nurse to thank her for saving my life. The hospital wouldn't give us her name so Barb wrote to an Edmonton paper asking for help in finding the nursing student. CityTv picked up the story, called the hospital and Barb and I got to meet Ms. Reid, the wonderful young lady who had saved my life. I did not wish to be on TV for the meeting so still pictures of me were used instead.
Back at the restaurant, apparently I had bitten my tongue and because I was on a blood thinner my tongue had turned black. I also came down with shingles on my right arm. Also, I was placed on oxygen shortly after returning home from the hospital.
About nine months later my family physician, Dr. Amerongen, wondered if something more could be done for me and he contacted Dr. Fenske at the Royal Alex, where cardiologists sent me to the University of Alberta Hospital to see if I could become a candidate for a heart transplant. I met with Dr. Tymchak in May; tests were done during the first week of September; got my beeper in October and had my transplant Dec. 30, 2001.
I am so grateful to all the people who saved my life — Dr. Amerongen, Ms. Reid, Dr. Archibald, Dr. Fenske and the cardiologists at the Royal Alex and the U of A Hospital, the nurses at both hospitals who provided such excellent care, Dr. Wang who performed my transplant and especially the family who donated the heart — my new heart. I also want to thank Ilene Burton who has always been there for me.
Lastly to my caregiver and husband, Eddie, thank you for all your love and
support.
Luckily for me a student nurse who was at the restaurant performed CPR and got my heart beating again. I came to in the ambulance and at the Royal Alex Hospital, where the heart stopped again, Dr. Fenske worked on me for over four minutes until he got a heart beat.
I spent a week in the ICCU with a breathing and feeding tube and a temporary pacemaker attached to my leg. I then spent half a day in the stepdown, the other half in the ward and that night I had a permanent pacemaker installed. The next morning I had an angiogram where it was discovered that a disease called sarcoidosis had damaged my mitral valve causing a leak. There was no way to repair the leak as my heart was badly damaged, so I was sent home.
Dr. Archibald my respitory doctor had been monitoring my lungs with monthly X-rays for about a year. A biopsy had shown the disease was in the lymph nodes near my lungs. Sarcoidosis usually starts in the lungs or nodes and always travels elsewhere in the body — to the heart in my case.
While I was in the hospital Barb tried contacting the student nurse to thank her for saving my life. The hospital wouldn't give us her name so Barb wrote to an Edmonton paper asking for help in finding the nursing student. CityTv picked up the story, called the hospital and Barb and I got to meet Ms. Reid, the wonderful young lady who had saved my life. I did not wish to be on TV for the meeting so still pictures of me were used instead.
Back at the restaurant, apparently I had bitten my tongue and because I was on a blood thinner my tongue had turned black. I also came down with shingles on my right arm. Also, I was placed on oxygen shortly after returning home from the hospital.
About nine months later my family physician, Dr. Amerongen, wondered if something more could be done for me and he contacted Dr. Fenske at the Royal Alex, where cardiologists sent me to the University of Alberta Hospital to see if I could become a candidate for a heart transplant. I met with Dr. Tymchak in May; tests were done during the first week of September; got my beeper in October and had my transplant Dec. 30, 2001.
I am so grateful to all the people who saved my life — Dr. Amerongen, Ms. Reid, Dr. Archibald, Dr. Fenske and the cardiologists at the Royal Alex and the U of A Hospital, the nurses at both hospitals who provided such excellent care, Dr. Wang who performed my transplant and especially the family who donated the heart — my new heart. I also want to thank Ilene Burton who has always been there for me.
Lastly to my caregiver and husband, Eddie, thank you for all your love and
support.
Silvio's Story
From that point — about 11 a.m., April 24, 1998, until May 7, my memories are like snapshots in a photo album. I recall the wail of the siren ... the pain spreading to my jaw and teeth ... seeing my wife at the University of Alberta Hospital ... talking heads popping up around me ... a TV screen ... my beating heart ... a voice proclaiming “The bypass may not be enough to save him.”
Some months later a doctor told me I was given a 50-50 chance of surviving and had to be revived several times during the triple bypass.
A week after the bypass my crashed — I had congestive heart failure, my kidneys failed and I was placed on a ventilator. My heart wasn't strong enough to pump blood through my body and I was dying.
A heart transplant was the only alternative to keep me alive, my wife, Marielos, was told.
I was placed on the heart transplant list as a “status 4” — the urgency meant I had but hours to live.
A matching heart was found in a little over a day, and when I came to on May 7, Marielos told me I had a new heart.
She had to repeat it several times before I understood what she was telling me.
I owe my life to a donor and his family — generous people I will never know, yet no day goes by that I fail to thank them. The wonderful blending of miracle and medicine has given me a chance to live a full life once again. Medications, diet and exercise have helped with the recovery, but so has meeting other recipients whose positive attitude has been a source of inspiration.
I know of no better way to thank my donor and his family then to make a personal commitment to make others aware of the benefits of organ transplants and how the “the gift of life” can keep on giving.
December 2006.
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