Alan Korpela's Passing

We were very sorry to learn about Alan Korpela’s passing. Al received a double-lung transplant April 1, 2004. We extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to Al’s wife Barbara and family. I received the following note from Barb yesterday. The photo was taken just shy of two months post transplant. Merv.

“Merv: it is with great sadness that I tell you about Al's passing on June 30. Al picked up a bacteria and within hours it took his life. He lived life to the absolute fullest never once complaining, he always said if I could get one year with my new lungs it will all be worth it, and he did, he celebrate his first year anniverary April 1st. Please pass this message on.” Barb. Korpela (al_korpela@hotmail.com)

Mark Black At The Games

Mark Black, Heart & Double Lung Transplant recipient, took part in the World Transplant Games in London, Ontario, Canada in July, 2005 and we are pleased to announce that he placed 5th in the 1500 meter race. Congratulations to Mark for his amazing accomplishment. Mark received his "Gift of Life" at Toronto General Hospital in September, 2002. He was born with a congenital heart defect and until his transplant he was unable to participate in sports. But now just look at him go!

Duble Lung transplant recipients Peter Laurence and Dave Reynolds met Mark at the games and Peter sent me this photo of Dave, Mark and his fiancé Marise.



Just prior to the games I received the following from Mark's Mother, Monique and it looks like Mark deserves another nice round of applause for this accomplishment also.

"Mark and Marise just left....

...they gave us the OK to announce their engagement!! Mark did a great job with his planning - right down to getting parental approval (we saw the ring this morning, then Marise's parents....) will let him relate the whole plan...suffice it to say it was very elaborate and theatrical...one for the books:)

We are thrilled - Marise is wonderful and they suit each other perfectly! She was completely caught off guard...we leave for the long trip to Ontario (for the transplant games) tomorrow and we all expected Mark's main thoughts to be the Games...little did we know:)

Current thoughts are for a wedding next summer! FUN, FUN, FUN...we're the parents of the groom - no work for us right?", Monique.

Photos - World Transplant Games 2005

Based at the University of Michigan, All About Transplantation and Donation (www.transweb.org) is a nonprofit educational web site serving the world transplant community. Their team of reporters and photographers has provided extensive coverage of the games in London, Ontario, Canada July 16th-24th and their site offers a wealth of stories and photos: Games Coverage