16
A Year in Review 2012 – 2013:
Programs
Courage Lives Here
17
Multi-Organ Transplant
Courage is...
never
giving up
Hélène Campbell praises ‘team effort’
When 20-year-old Hélène Campbell arrived at Toronto
General Hospital in January 2012, she didn’t know if she
would reach her 21st birthday.
Her condition, called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (more
common to people in their 50s), had progressed so much
that she was placed on a lung transplant waiting list.
The bubbly, petite brunette had severe difficulty
breathing. The simplest everyday activity — like bending
over to put on her shoes– was a monumental task.
Compassionate team
But even with the challenges she faced, Hélène was
quick to notice the incredible help she received from
each employee who crossed her path.
“From the moment I arrived at TGH, I realized that my
care was a team effort,” she said. “Everyone from the
transplant coordinator to the guy who cleaned my room
in the ICU — everyone was caring, committed to his or
her particular job and compassionate.”
Hélène Campbell heads into surgery for a double-lung transplant.
(Photo: Alan Campbell)
Hélène’s first three months focused on preparing for her
transplant — both mentally and physically.
“They tell you everything you need to know. My
transplant coordinator has been with me from day one
and is still coordinating my follow-up appointments,”
Hélène said.
While on the transplant waiting list, as the young woman’s
health deteriorated, she worked with a dietician, palliative
care professionals and a number of lab technicians who
did blood work and other tests.
It was all part of her “training” — to build enough
strength to survive the operation and her recovery.
Hélène developed a trusting relationship with the same
two physiotherapists who worked with her three times
a week. They noticed changes in her health, pointed out
her progress and gave her encouragement.
(
Continued on page 18...)
Hélène Campbell with her mom, Manon Campbell.
(Photo:
Alan Campbell)
VIDEO:
Hélène Campbell Skypes with Ellen DeGeneres
Hear Hélène Campbell chat about her double-lung transplant with talk show host Ellen DeGeneres on
May 25, 2012. The surgery took place in early April of that year.
(Video: The Ellen DeGeneres Show)
