UK Smoking Ban Kicks in This Weekend

This is good news for UK residents and tourists visiting Britain who are concerned about breathing in second-hand smoke, including lung transplant recipients and those suffering from respiratory illnesses.

As of July 1st the whole of Britain will be smoke free in all enclosed public spaces and workplaces, including pubs, bars, restaurants, gig places and cafés as England joins Scotland and Ireland who already operate bans.

“You Have the Power to Save Lives – Sign Your Donor Card & Tell Your Loved Ones of Your Decision”

Download Donor Cards from Trillium Gift of Life Network

Download Donor Cards from OrganDonor.Gov

UHN Global Impact Awards

Leading lights of lung transplantation and thoracic surgery honored by Toronto's University Health Network with their Global Impact Award on June 20, 2007

It was my great honor to participate in the ceremonies for this year's UHN Global Impact Awards by speaking as a grateful lung transplant recipient.

Awarded every year since 2004, the awards recognize the physicians and scientists throughout the history of University Health Network (UHN) for their creative discoveries in medical science that have had major impact worldwide.

This year’s awards were given to Dr. Joel Cooper who was the first surgeon in the world with his team to successfully perform a single and then a double lung transplant, and to Dr. Griffith Pearson, whose work with diseases of the trachea, esophagus and thorax led to many innovations now used around the world. That's me between Dr. and Mrs. Cooper with Dr. and Mrs. Pearson on the right.
Dr. Joel Cooper performed the world's first successful single-lung transplant on Tom Hall, November 7, 1983. In 1986 Dr. Cooper and his team performed the world's first successful double-lung transplant.

Dr. Griffith Pearson, an appointee of the Order of Canada, Canada’s highest honor for lifetime achievement, achieved international recognition as a surgeon, researcher and educator. Dr. Pearson played a key role in the establishment of thoracic surgery as a medical discipline. Toronto was one of the first programs in the world to split off the thoracic component from the larger field of cardiothoracic surgery, allowing surgeons the dedicated time and energy to study lung cancer and other thoracic procedures separately from the heart.

I first met Dr. Cooper several years ago when he took the time to describe the operation on Tom Hall who suffered from Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), the same disease I had and he has been my hero ever since. Because of his pioneering efforts thousands of lives have since been saved by a lung transplant.

Read the full story in UHN's News Release.

“You Have the Power to Save Lives – Sign Your Donor Card & Tell Your Loved Ones of Your Decision”

Download Donor Cards from Trillium Gift of Life Network

Download Donor Cards from OrganDonor.Gov

A nice day for a picnic

Sunday, June 24, 2007 turned out to be perfect for the annual lung transplant bbq & picnic at Huron Park in Mississauga, Ontario. This is a photo of most of the patients and their families, friends and support people that attended. All of the photos that I took are posted to my Gallery.

I want to thank all who pitched in to help with the set-up and take-down and especially thank Joan Stibbard, Dorothy Webster, Bob Webster and Tony Brammall without whose help the picnic would have not been a success.

“You Have the Power to Save Lives – Sign Your Donor Card & Tell Your Loved Ones of Your Decision”

Download Donor Cards from Trillium Gift of Life Network

Download Donor Cards from OrganDonor.Gov

FDA Approves New Orphan Drug for Treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

June 15, 2007 - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today approved Letairis (ambrisentan) for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension, a rare, life-threatening condition characterized by continuous high blood pressure within the arteries of the lungs.

"Letairis represents a valuable addition to the treatment alternatives for this orphan disease," said John Jenkins, M.D., director of FDA's Office of New Drugs. "Letairis is similar to an existing drug, but offers the potential for fewer drug interactions."

In pulmonary arterial hypertension, the small arteries in the lungs become narrowed or blocked, and the heart must work harder to pump the blood through them. Over time, the overworked heart muscle may become weak and lose its ability to pump enough blood through the lungs. Symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, dizzy spells and fainting. About 100,000 people in the United States have pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Letairis, a new drug not previously approved in the United States, was granted a priority review by FDA. A priority review designation is intended for those products that address unmet medical needs. For priority drug applications, FDA sets a target date of six months after the date of receipt for the agency to complete all aspects of a review and to take action.

The safety and effectiveness of Letairis were demonstrated in two international clinical trials involving 393 patients. Letairis significantly improved physical activity capacity compared with a placebo, as shown by a six-minute walk, a standard test. Letairis also delayed the worsening of the pulmonary hypertension.

The most common side effects in patients using Letairis included swelling of legs and ankles, nasal congestion, sinusitis, and getting red in the face (flushing).

Letairis should not be used by women who are pregnant or may become pregnant because the drug may cause birth defects. Patients taking Letairis must have monthly blood tests to check for potential liver injury.

Letairis will be available in five-milligram and 10-milligram once-daily tablets.

Letairis was granted orphan drug status by FDA because it treats a rare disease and meets other criteria. Orphan designation qualifies the drug's sponsor for a tax credit and marketing incentives.

Letairis is manufactured by Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, Calif. Gilead acquired the U.S. rights to ambrisentan when it acquired Myogen, Inc. in 2006. GlaxoSmithKline holds rights to ambrisentan outside of the United States.

National Heart Lung and Blood Institute –
What is Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension?

“You Have the Power to Save Lives – Sign Your Donor Card & Tell Your Loved Ones of Your Decision”

Download Donor Cards from Trillium Gift of Life Network

Download Donor Cards from OrganDonor.Gov

This coming Sunday, June 24th is the Lung Transplant BBQ & Picnic

Planning on coming to the picnic? Please provide the information requested below as soon as you can. We need your information for name badges and to order the supplies. If you can’t decide right now because of health or other reasons please feel free to come at the last minute. We will register you on site and will have extras for late arrivals. Thanks, Merv.
(if you’ve already responded, thanks!)

The annual picnic is Sunday, June 24 at the same location as in the past years, Huron Park, Mississauga, starting at 12noon.

• Location: 830 Paisley Blvd. W (between Queensway and Dundas St. W. west of Mavis. (photos from past picnics: 2004 Photos, 2005 Photos and 2006 Photos).


• Please respond to me by E-mail or phone me (Merv Sheppard) at 519-746-1444. (Brochures are available at Toronto General Hospital in the Treadmill Room, 12floor clinic area and the Pulmonary Function Lab)


• Volunteers will be needed to help set-up & take-down on the day of the picnic. If you can help before or after please let me know by email or phone 519-746-1444. If helping to set up please arrive by 11am. Thanks, Merv.


• Let us know the names of the individuals in your party for name badge purposes. Include the name of your organization if you are representing one.


• If you are a pre or post-transplant recipient please let us know this and the date and type of your transplant (double-lung, single-lung or heart & lung) for the name badge.


• Bring your own lawn chairs, coolers and beverages.


• Bring a pot-luck accompaniment such as a salad, desert, rolls, snacks or whatever else you prefer.


• We will provide hamburgers, hot dogs, sausages, condiments, plates, cups, cutlery, napkins, etc.


• Let us know how many each of hot dogs, sausages and hamburgers your party will require.


• Vegetarian? If you prefer a vegetarian burger, hot dog, etc. please bring your own and we will BBQ it for you.


• A donation will be collected to help defray expenses.


• If you are on oxygen please make sure you have an adequate supply.


• RESTROOMS are a 5 minute walk or a few seconds car ride to clean, indoor facilities at the recreation center. There are no portables on site, which is just as well since we have to be so vigilant about sanitation.


• Please respond to me ASAP but no later than June 21st.
  E-mail or phone me (Merv Sheppard) at 519-746-1444. (Brochures are available at Toronto General Hospital in the Treadmill Room, 12floor clinic area and the Pulmonary Function Lab)

The BBQ is a great opportunity to socialize with others in the transplant community and is open to pre and post-lung transplant recipients, their supports, friends, families, the transplant team, hospital staff and related parties. I'm looking forward to seeing you there! Merv.

“You Have the Power to Save Lives – Sign Your Donor Card & Tell Your Loved Ones of Your Decision”

Download Donor Cards from Trillium Gift of Life Network

Download Donor Cards from OrganDonor.Gov

Official Opening of Latner Thoracic Surgery Research Laboratory

On June 14th, 2007 I had the privilege of attending the opening of the Latner Thoracic Research Laboratory in Toronto. The new, state of the art facilities in the MaRS Discovery District were made possible by a grant from the Latner family of Toronto.

That's me in the center along with Anne Barbetta, double lung transplant recipient. I'll add the scientists names when I'm sure of the spelling. For all of the photos I took please go to my photo gallery.


Director of the laboratory, Dr. Shaf Keshavjee, world renowned for his work in lung transplantation, arranged for guided tours where some of the world's leading scientists gave us an overview of their work and experiments, which is truly exciting and groundbreaking.

Their major project is gene therapy in lung transplantation where they are working on techniques to genetically modify the donor lung so that it is better able to deal with the stress imposed upon it by the transplantation process.

This could lead to an increase in the availability of useable donor lungs and get more patients off the waiting list to receive their life-saving transplant. Right now, only about 2 of every 5 donor lungs turn out to be viable for transplantation.

The scientists are also using gene therapy to grow tissue, and hopefully someday new lungs entirely.

I came away from the experience realizing that when I'm fundraising for lung transplant research, it's not just for money to further and advance the research but what it all achieves eventually is that it saves lives, just as mine was saved by a single-lung transplant 5 years ago.

“You Have the Power to Save Lives – Sign Your Donor Card & Tell Your Loved Ones of Your Decision”

Download Donor Cards from Trillium Gift of Life Network

Download Donor Cards from OrganDonor.Gov

TRILLIUM GIFT OF LIFE NETWORK HONORS FATHER’S DAY

Reminds Ontarians to sign donor cards and speak to families as 1085 men on waiting list

June 14, 2007 – Toronto, ON – Trillium Gift of Life Network (TGLN) is honoring Father’s Day by reminding families that this occasion is an opportune time to sign their donor cards and speak to their families about their wishes.

“As you are heading out for a game of catch with your dad, wrapping up a gift or driving home to family, please take a moment to think about another kind of gift, the gift of life,” said Frank Markel, President and CEO of TGLN. “Right now in Ontario there are 1085 men on the organ donation waiting list. Every one of these men could be a friend, an uncle, or even a father or grandfather, and every one of these men continues to wait for the gift that will save his life.”

Today in Ontario, 1743 patients are on the transplant waiting list. Of those, 1085 are men, 629 are women and 29 of those patients are children.

“Before my surgery the thought of ever being a father was unthinkable. Today, because of my heart transplant, I am celebrating my first Father’s Day,” said 33 year-old Eddie Sabat from Woodbridge, Ontario. “My daughter was born just a few days ago –she is amazing. Without my transplant my wife and I would never have known the joy of having children and I am so thankful. I want to remind people, on this special day, that there are lots of dad’s like me out there – please, take a moment, sign your donor card and speak to your family today – I’m living proof that you can save lives.”

Everyone is a potential organ and tissue donor. The oldest Canadian organ donor to date was over 90 years of age while the oldest tissue donor was 102. Ultimately the ability to become an organ and tissue donor depends on several factors including the health of the organs and tissue at the time of death.

Even if you have signed a donor card or are registered as a donor, doctors will still ask your family before recovering organs or tissue.

“You can express your wishes to become an organ and tissue donor by signing a donor card and talking to your loved ones,” said Markel. “It's critical to share your decision with your family, as they will be asked for final consent to donate your organs after your death. Discuss your intentions with them this Father’s Day and give them a copy of your signed donor card so they can understand, support and respect your wishes in the future.”

Trillium Gift of Life Network is a not-for-profit agency of the Government of Ontario and is responsible for planning, promoting, coordinating and supporting organ and tissue donation across Ontario and improving the system so that more lives can be saved. Sign your donor card. Talk to your family about your wishes.

For more details on Trillium Gift of Life Network please visit our website or call 416.363.4001 or toll free 1-800-263-2833.

“You Have the Power to Save Lives – Sign Your Donor Card & Tell Your Loved Ones of Your Decision”

Download Donor Cards from Trillium Gift of Life Network

Download Donor Cards from OrganDonor.Gov

Transplant Open for lung transplant research a huge success

Peter Laurence, chair of the golf committee, states preliminary figures show that approximately $29,000 was raised for lung transplant research at Toronto General Hospital.

The tournament, held June 7th at Granite Ridge Golf Club in Milton, ON was our 3rd annual and the money raised exceeded last year's $20,000 by $9,000. Thanks go to our many supporters, sponsors and participants who played golf, donated cash and prizes and took part in the very successful silent auction. A highlight of the day was an excellent overview of lung transplant research at Toronto General Hospital given by the Director of the Lung Transplant Program Dr. Shaf Keshavjee.

I was proud to be part of the committee and I have to say how impressed I was with the talent and dedication of committee members Peter Laurence, Kim Cassar, Carol Devlin and Tracey Jack.

The photos I took are posted at the golf gallery. If you have pictures to add I will be pleased to include them. Merv.

“You Have the Power to Save Lives – Sign Your Donor Card & Tell Your Loved Ones of Your Decision”

Click Here to Obtain a Donor Card

Final call - Transplant Open Golf June 7th

Transplant Open Golf
Thursday, June 7, 2007

If you are planning to golf or come for dinner and haven’t registered yet we need your response immediately to give final figures to the golf club – thanks.

Thanks go to all who participated in last year’s tournament in which we raised $20,000 for lung transplant research at Toronto General Hospital. We hope to do even better this year and we need help once again from both old and new friends of the tournament. If you unable to golf, you can still come for the dinner and silent auction; or you can help by donating a gift or by making a financial contribution. If you haven’t already registered you can do so by sending me an email. Please include names of everyone in your group. Payment can be made at the golf club the day of the tournament. (Visa, Amex & Master Card accepted - Make cheques payable to Toronto General & Western Hospital Fdn.) See you there?

THE TRANSPLANT OPEN

• Thursday, June 7, 2007


• Granite Ridge Golf Club, Milton, Ontario (Hwy 401 & 25)


• Web site: Granite Ridge Golf Club


• 9503 Dublin Line, Milton, ON 905-794-0201 / 1-877-465-3126


• Registration: 11am - first tee offs start at 11:30 am


• Cost: Golf, Cart, Lunch, Dinner & Putting Contest $200 per person


• Cost: Dinner only: $60 (dinner is at 6:30pm)


Two hole-in-one contests!


• 2-year lease of a vehicle donated by Whiteoak Ford Lincoln.


• $10,000 donated by K. P. Scharfe Insurance Brokers Ltd.


Silent Auction!


• An exciting silent auction with many great prizes.

More info: email Merv Sheppard.
Photo Gallery 2006 Tournament

$30,000 plus raised for lung transplant research

Breathe in Life Walk raises more than $30,000 in it's first annual event


Two and a half years ago Anne Barbetta's life was saved by a double-lung transplant. She was so grateful that she immediately started thinking of ways to "give back" and came up with the idea of a walk to raise money for lung transplant research at Toronto General Hospital. I was happy to help Anne promote the event and my heartfelt thanks go to my many sponsors whose donations made a big contribution to the amazing total raised, especially since this was a first time event. But I'll let Anne tell the story in her own words:

"I cannot begin to convey my heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in the first annual Breathe in Life Walk, which was held on May 27, 2007 at Fairy Lake in Newmarket (Ontario). Thankfully, the weather cooperated and over 100 participants celebrated the gift of life by walking 1km or 5km around beautiful Fairy Lake. I expect that pictures will be posted on the TGH Team for Transplant web site within the next two weeks.
Merv's note: my photos are already posted to my gallery Breathe in Life.

Although I can not yet tell you the exact amount raised because donations are still coming in, I am thrilled to inform you that well over $30,000 was raised! The success of the inaugural Breathe in LIfe Walk can be directly attributed to the tremendous support that each of you made either by participating, raising donations, or by sponsoring an individual or team. I am completely overwhelmed by the incredible generosity of those who made donations and by the unwavering commitment of those who participated to raise as much money as they possibly could.

As you know, one hundred percent of the net proceeds will benefit lung transplant research at Toronto General Hospital. Together, we are going to ensure that essential funding is provided for the world renowned surgeons and physicians who are responsible for making Toronto General Hospital one of the top transplant centres in the world. All of your efforts are certainly going to make a significant difference in the lives of many Canadians.

Congratulations to everyone who made this event such a great success. Special thanks to one of my heroes, Merv Sheppard, who promoted the Breathe in LIfe Walk tirelessly and raised $1000 as well! There is a famous quote which reads, "Life is not measured by the number of breaths that we take, but rather, by the moments that take our breath away." Thank you all for making this event one of those moments for me!

I look forward to seeing everyone at Fairy Lake next year for an even bigger and better event! With gratitude always, Anne Barbetta."

“You Have the Power to Save Lives – Sign Your Donor Card & Tell Your Loved Ones of Your Decision”

Click Here to Obtain a Donor Card

May 27th Breathe In Life Walk pledges will be matched dollar for dollarin this final week

The fundraising walk for lung transplant research at Toronto General Hospital will be held this coming Sunday, May 27th at Fairy Lake, Newmarket, Ontario (directions below). Join us to help raise money for this wonderful cause one step at a time.

• Fee Before May 20, 2007: $25 per person


• Fee Day of event: $30 per person


• Fee: Team for Transplant (4 people per team) $100


• Children under 10 years with a registered adult - free


• Register online at the website


• Registration on race day: 9:00AM to 9:45AM


• Walk Start time: 10:00 A.M. 1 km or 5 km walk for life


• Walkers with $25 in donations will receive a free t-shirt


• After Walk Party: Food, drinks, prizes and draws

Event organizer Anne Barbetta has just informed me of the following exciting news:

"I received some great news from the Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation office that I would appreciate you passing on in this final week before the walk. Rebecca Davies informed me that since all of the proceeds from the walk are going to support the establishment of Dr. Keshavjee's endowed research chair, the Foundation is going to match every donation made to benefit the walk in this final week. This means, of course, that someone can sponsor an individual with a donation of $20 and not only will they receive a tax receipt, but their donation will, in fact, really be worth $40!"

My heartfelt thanks go to those who have sponsored me for the walk. I'm up to $570 and hopefully I can raise that much again in this final week. Visit the website to pre-register for the walk or to sponsor me or another walker. Merv.

Below are the directions to Fairy Lake as posted on the website where you will also find a map.

• Take the 404 North to Newmarket. You will exit at the MULOCK DRIVE /VIVIAN ROAD exit- (EXIT 49)


• Turn LEFT (WEST) onto MULOCK DR / VIVIAN RD. Continue to follow MULOCK DR


• Turn RIGHT onto BAYVIEW AVE. (NORTH)


• Turn LEFT (WEST) onto WATER ST.


• Turn left into Fairy Lake parking lot. Addtitional parking is at the back of the park if you continue to follow the entrance road.


• Registration tables will be located near the entrance to the park, off Water Street, but there will be signs up to direct people (and look for the green balloons at the tables!).

Private Member's Bill would help defray expenses of living organ donors

I am very pleased to see this bill introduced in Canada's Parliament. I had the opportunity to speak with Lloyd St. Amand about this on several occasions and he and his colleagues deserve to be commended for taking this initiative. I personally know a living liver donor whose expenses topped $26,000 due to lost wages and other personal costs. Hopefully this bill will pass and more living organ donors will be encouraged to step forward, knowing that much of their expenses will be looked after. Merv.

OTTAWA, ONTARIO – May 17, 2007 – Today, Lloyd St. Amand, M.P. for Brant, introduced Bill C-444, An Act to provide for cash contributions to provinces that operate programs for the reimbursement of the expenses of living organ donors, to provide for the appointment of a National Organ Transplant Coordinator and to amend the Employment Insurance Act.

When presenting this Bill, Mr. St. Amand stated:

Mr. Speaker, I wish first to thank my colleague, the member for Esquimalt—Juan de Fuca, for his tremendous long standing assistance on this issue.

I also wish to thank my colleague, the member for Thunder Bay—Rainy River, for seconding the bill.

The living donors reimbursement act is an important step in increasing living organ donations in Canada. Thousands of individuals in Canada are currently waiting for an organ. Living donors are a vital part of Canada's organ donation system, as organs from living donors are typically healthier, function better and last longer.

We as a federal government must do more to ensure that living organ donors who are truly giving the gift of life to others are reimbursed for their out of pocket expenses and lost income. The bill would amend the Employment Insurance Act to allow those who are convalescing from their organ donation to claim loss of their wages.

The bill would also allow the appointment of a national organ transplant coordinator to lead the efforts to coordinate and match potential donors with recipients

Mr. St. Amand was awakened to the need for such a Bill during his participation in Brantford’s Annual Organ Donation Bonspiel.

“I have previously attended the Brant County Organ Donor Bonspiel, which raises funds and awareness for organ transplants. It was absolutely inspiring to hear from recipients how eternally grateful they are for the gift of life given to them. I heard many, many touching stories from local individuals who are sincere in their appreciation for receiving an organ from someone else,” stated M.P. St. Amand.

“One gentleman, for instance, hoped and prayed to live long enough to see his daughter marry. After receiving an organ, he not only lived to see his daughter married, but now spends time with his grandchildren.”

The federal government must make it as financially easy as possible for living donors. Donors must be reimbursed for lost wages for time spent away from work due to the organ transplant, as well as any travel and accommodation expenses that are incurred.

A National Transplant Coordinator would lead in the coordination of donors to recipients, as well as assist in developing a national, cohesive, inclusive and ongoing strategy for organ donation.

According to Health Canada, Transplants can save health care costs: the cost of a kidney transplant averages $20,000 plus $6,000 per year thereafter ($50,000 over five years). Maintaining a kidney patient on dialysis costs $50,000 per year ($250,000 over five years).

Currently, British Columbia is the only province with a living donor reimbursement program. A pilot project is currently being jointly funded by the provincial government and private donations.

“Canada currently ranks very low for organ transplants. I believe the removal of financial barriers is a positive step to encourage living organ donation in our country.”

Trillium Gift of Life Network Recognizes Police Officers During National Police Week

Police officers are valuable partners in saving more lives in Ontario

May 14, 2007 - Toronto, ON – Trillium Gift of Life Network (TGLN) marks National Police Week by acknowledging the valuable contribution played by Ontario’s policing services in organ and tissue donation. TGLN recognizes the commitment and on-going support of Ontario’s police officers to save and enhance more lives in Ontario.

“We recognize that police officers across Ontario go above the call of duty to help honour a family’s wish to donate their loved one’s organs and tissue,” said Frank Markel, President and CEO of TGLN. “Their commitment to donation has helped provide the gift of life to those waiting for a life-saving organ transplants. This has certainly helped us achieve a new record for organ donations in Ontario” he added.

On April 23, 2007, TGLN announced that the 2006-2007 fiscal year ended with 184 deceased donations, up from 169 deceased donations in the 2005-2006 fiscal year.

“Police officers from around the province consider it an honour and a privilege to play such an important role in helping to save and enhance lives through organ and tissue donation,” said Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Commissioner Julian Fantino. “The OPP is proud of its history of involvement and support for organ and tissue donation in Ontario, and will continue to work with Trillium Gift of Life Network to realize the life saving potential that donation holds.”

“Police officers act as a valuable partner in our work. They go the extra mile to see that donation opportunities are successful. They assist in quick and safe transportation of organs and related specimens in critical situations, where the opportunity to provide the gift of life may have been otherwise missed,” said Charles A. Smith, Director of TGLN’s Provincial Resource Centre. “In addition to their direct involvement in donation, their community involvement has helped spread the message that organ donation saves lives,” he added.

Today in Ontario, 1748 patients are on the waiting list for a life-saving organ transplant. Of those, 1086 are men, 632 are women and 30 of those patients are children.

TGLN applauds Ontario’s police officers for their professionalism, commitment and community involvement to save and enhance more lives in Ontario.

“You Have the Power to Save Lives – Sign Your Donor Card & Tell Your Loved Ones of Your Decision”

Click Here to Obtain a Donor Card

Trillium Gift of Life Network Honors Mother’s Day

Reminds Ontarians there are 632 women on the organ transplant waiting list

May 11, 2007 -Toronto, ON - Trillium Gift of Life Network (TGLN) is honoring all women on the organ transplant waiting list by reminding families that Mother’s Day is an opportune time to sign their donor cards and speak to their families about their organ donation wishes.

“As you are picking out a special gift and visiting family this weekend, please take a moment to think about another kind of gift, the gift of life,” said Frank Markel, President and CEO of TGLN.

“This is my first Mother’s Day since receiving my heart and double lung transplant last December,” said Dana Trude, a mother of two from Kitchener. “I am so eternally grateful to my donor family for giving me the most amazing gift of all, my life which has enabled me to be an active mom again and enjoy the numerous special occasions yet to come.”

Today in Ontario, there are 632 women waiting for an organ transplant. These women are mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunts and friends to many and each continues to wait for the gift of life.

Everyone is a potential organ and tissue donor. The oldest Canadian organ donor to date was over 90 years of age while the oldest tissue donor was 102. Ultimately the ability to become an organ and tissue donor depends on several factors including the health of the organs and tissue at the time of death. TGLN is urging people to take a moment to speak to their family this weekend about signing your donor card and talk about your wishes.

“You can express your wishes to become an organ and tissue donor by signing a donor card and talking to your loved ones,” said Markel. “It's critical to share your decision with your family, as they will be asked for final consent to donate your organs after your death. Discuss your intentions with them this Mother’s Day and give them a copy of your signed donor card so they can understand, support and respect your wishes in the future.”

For more details on Trillium Gift of Life Network please visit their website or call 416.363.4001 or toll free 1-800-263-2833.

Trillium Gift of Life Network is a not-for-profit agency of the Government of Ontario and is responsible for planning, promoting, coordinating and supporting organ and tissue donation across Ontario and improving the system so that more lives can be saved.

Important coming events

Please mark your calendars for these coming important events. Thanks.

Breathe In Life Walk Sunday, May 27, Newmarket, Ontario. Fundraiser for lung transplant research at Toronto General Hospital. I will be walking and have raised $450 in pledges so far. Register or sponsor me (or other walkers) at the above link.

Great Strides Walk for Cystic Fibrosis.
Sunday, May 27. Walks will take place in numerous communities. Brad Skiffington, double-lung recipient and his wife Rebecca will be taking part and are looking for sponsors. Register or sponsor Brad or Rebecca at the above link.

Transplant Open Golf Thursday, June 7th 12 noon. Granite Ridge Golf Club, Milton, ON. Fundraiser for lung transplant research at Toronto General Hospital. We raised $20,000 at last year's tournament and hope to exceed that amount this year. We still need golfers, prizes and donations. Info at the above link.

Celebration of Life
NOTICE this event scheduled originally for June 8, 2007 has been postponed until this fall, date to be determined.

Trillium Gift of Life Network will hold the annual Celebration of Life to honor organ and tissue donors and their families at St. Michael's Cathedral, 65 Bond Street (corner of Shuter Street & Bond Street), Toronto. This is a wonderful opportunity to honor our donors and their families. Watch for further announcements about the revised date.

Lung Transplant Picnic and BBQ, Sunday, June 24, 12 noon at Huron Park, Mississauga, ON. Click link for all info and links to photos of past picnics.

“You Have the Power to Save Lives – Sign Your Donor Card & Tell Your Loved Ones of Your Decision”

Click Here to Obtain a Donor Card

Nurses applauded during National Nursing Week

Nurses played a huge personal role for me leading up to, during and after my lung transplant. They continue to be my lifeline and I'm very proud to salute them by posting this press release from Trillium Gift of Life Network in Ontario.

Trillium Gift of Life Network Applauds Nurses During National Nursing Week for Helping Achieve New Record for Organ Donations

May, 7, 2007 – Toronto, ON – Trillium Gift of Life Network (TGLN) today applauded Ontario’s nurses for their hard work in supporting organ and tissue donation and for helping achieve a new record for organ donations in the province.

“We greatly appreciate the extra steps that nurses have taken all across the province to honour a family's wish to donate their loved one's organs and tissue,” said Frank Markel, President and CEO of TGLN. “The impact this has made in helping those in need of a life saving transplant or life enhancing tissue is incredible and it certainly helped us achieve a new record for organ donations in Ontario,” he added.

On April 23, 2007, TGLN announced that the 2006-2007 fiscal year ended with 184 deceased donations, up from 169 deceased donations in the 2005-2006 fiscal year.

"As a nurse and single-lung transplant recipient, I want to personally thank my colleagues around the province for their commitment", said Kitty Sayle. "With their continued support I’m confident many more lives will be saved," she added.

“Nurses spend considerable time with their patients and their families, and we view nurses as partners in our work, relying on their judgment and expertise to help identify potential donors, manage donation cases and provide support to our donor families who are going through a very tragic event in their lives,” said Mark Vimr, Chief Nursing Officer of TGLN. “Through the combined efforts of nurses, other healthcare providers in hospitals and TGLN's clinical staff, the majority of whom are nurses, we continue to provide increased opportunities for families across Ontario to donate and give the gift of life,” he added.

Today in Ontario, 1748 patients are on the waiting list. Of those, 1086 are men, 632 are women and 30 of those patients are children.

TGLN applauds nurses for their professionalism, commitment and for their continuing support to save and enhance more lives in Ontario.

Trillium Gift of Life Network is a not-for-profit agency of the Government of Ontario and is responsible for planning, promoting, coordinating and supporting organ and tissue donation across Ontario and improving the system so that more lives can be saved.

“You Have the Power to Save Lives – Sign Your Donor Card & Tell Your Loved Ones of Your Decision”

Click Here to Obtain a Donor Card

Last call for Transplant Open Golf Thursday, June 7, 2007

LAST CALL - WE HAVE TO GIVE FINAL NUMBER OF GOLFERS AND DINNER GUESTS TO THE GOLF CLUB - IF YOU ARE PLANNING ON COMING PLEASE LET US KNOW IMMEDIATELY. THANKS.

This is a charitable fundraiser to raise money for lung transplant research at Toronto General Hospital in partnership with Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation. Our golf committee (see photos) has been working hard to build on the success of last year's tournament. We've moved the event to the highly rated Granite Ridge Golf Club just off highway 401 in Milton, Ontario which is a very convenient location to get to.

The guest dinner speaker will be Dr. Shaf Keshavjee, Director of the Toronto Lung Transplant program.


THE TRANSPLANT OPEN
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Granite Ridge Golf Club, Milton, Ontario
Web site: Granite Ridge Golf Club
9503 Dublin Line, Milton, ON 905-794-0201 / 1-877-GOLF-126
Registration: 11 A.M. - Tee offs start at 11:30 am (you will be notified)
Cost: Golf, Cart, Lunch, Dinner & Putting Contest $200 per person
Cost: Dinner only: $60

Two hole-in-one contests!!

• 2-year lease of a vehicle donated by Whiteoak Ford Lincoln.


• $10,000 donated by K. P. Scharfe Insurance Brokers Ltd.


Silent Auction!

• An exciting silent auction with many great prizes.

Registration:
Tracey Jack: email or phone: 905-820-9012

Visa, Master Card and Amex accepted.
Make cheques payable to Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation and mail to: Peter Laurence, 7128 Upton Cr., Mississauga, ON L5N 7L6 (416) 471-1421
Credit card payments can be mailed or faxed:
Fax # (905) 814-5220 email Peter Laurence

Our heartfelt thanks go to all who helped make last year's tournament a big success by raising $20,000 for transplant research.

Photo Gallery 2006 Tournament

We hope the 2007 event will be even better and we will very much appreciate your support and/or participation to help raise more money for Lung Transplant Research at Toronto General Hospital, in partnership with Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation.

Toronto General Hospital is recognized as a world-class lung transplant center with some of the world’s leading research scientists and physicians. More lung transplants were performed by the Toronto General Lung Transplant Team than anywhere else in the world in 2004 (64) and that record was exceeded in 2005 and 2006.

Some of the projects they are currently working on are ways to prevent rejection, tissue regeneration, tolerance (the body's ability to accept new organs without the high doses of anti-rejection drugs now required), and making donor lungs useable that are presently not acceptable for transplant (only about 2 of every 5 donor lungs are now useable).

No one likes rejection, especially lung transplant recipients and their support people. Those of us on the golf committee are very thankful for the “Gift of Life” and are now advocates for transplant research funding and thus this tournament.

You can help support and participate in this golf event by:

• Organizing one or more golf foursomes.


• Sponsoring a hole for $250.


• If not able to golf, you can attend the dinner and silent auction.


• Donate gifts for the prize table.


• Donate prizes for the silent auction.


• Volunteer your time to help organize the golf tournament or sell raffle tickets.


• Make a financial contribution (tax receipts will be issued according to Revenue Canada Agency guidelines)
  Our charitalbe number is 12386 4068 RR0001.

Contact for prizes and gifts:
Kim Cassar: (905) 877-6886
Carol Devlin: email or phone (416) 250-1469

Golf Committee

Lung transplant recipients Kim Cassar, Peter Laurence and Merv Sheppard, who organized the first tournament, remain on the committee this year.

Tracey Jack and Carol Devlin joined the committee in 2006 and remain on the committee this year. Shown here are Tracey Jack, Peter Laurence, Lynne Laurence and Carol Devlin. (Lynne is an unofficial member of the committee and has been a wonderful hostess for meetings that were held at Peter & Lynne's home)


We on the committee are proud to be part of this charitable event. Won’t you join us June 7^th by participating in this golf tournament, dinner and fundraising event? The proceeds will help to improve the quality of life for transplant recipients and patients waiting for a lung transplant and their families.

Photo Gallery 2005 (1st) Tournament

Contact Merv Sheppard: email

Merv Sheppard
207-200 Shakespeare Drive
Waterloo, ON N2L 6C1
Phone (519) 746-1444

“You Have the Power to Save Lives – Sign Your Donor Card & Tell Your Loved Ones of Your Decision”

Click Here to Obtain a Donor Card

Special Rogers Cable broadcast on Organ and Tissue Donation

Tuesday, May 1st, 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
(The original time for this broadcast was pre-empted by a playoff hockey game)

For viewers in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Brantford, Stratford and Guelph, Ontario areas, a special program on organ donation will be broadcast by Rogers Television, Cable 20, on Farwell Live, from 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 1st. It will be re-broadcast at midnight, 9:00 a.m. and at noon the following day. (Copies of the show will be available for purchase from Jennifer Schmidt or call 519-894-8163).

Scheduled guests include:

• Judy Wells - Organ and Tissue Donation Coordinator, Trillium Gift of Life Network


• Dana Trude - Double Lung & Heart Transplant Recipient


• Frank Markel - President / CEO, Trillium Gift of Life Network (by phone)


• Representative - Ministry of Health & Long Term Care (by phone - to be confirmed)

“You Have the Power to Save Lives – Sign Your Donor Card & Tell Your Loved Ones of Your Decision”

Click Here to Obtain a Donor Card

Liver recipient to walk 120 miles to honor his donor

BULLETIN:
The walkers completed the 120 mile/200km walk Friday April 27th at 5:30 P.M. in 6 days, 2 days ahead of their plan. The next step will take place on Monday April 30th in London. They will be walking to the University Hospital from the corner of Fanshawe Park Rd. & Richmond (approx. 1 mile or 1.5km.) Everyone is welcome to join them. They are meeting at 9:30 A.M. at the corner of Fanshawe Park Rd. and Richmond St. in the plaza with the Petro Canada Gas Station and Richies Restaurant.

Dr. Wall who performed Tom's transplant and members of the medical team along with members of The Trillium Gift of Life Network will greet them with a special celebration and reception at 11:00 A.M. at the University Hospital on the 4th floor.

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65-year-old liver transplant recipient, Tom Awad, is walking from Windsor, Ontario to London, Ontario during Canadian National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week (NOTDAW), April 22-29 to pay tribute to his donor and organ donor families across Canada.

The walk is scheduled to proceed from Festival Plaza, Riverside Drive, in Windsor Sunday April 22nd at 9:00 am and proceed to Cabana Rd. (County Rd.42) through St. Joachim to highway # 2 to Tilbury, then onto Chatham.

They will then walk through Louisville, Thamesville, Wardsville, Strathburn, Melbourne, Lambeth, to London’s University Hospital, the sight of Tom’s transplant and visit the medical team that nurtured him back to health.

Family, friends and the general public are invited to walk the first 2 km. with Roger and Tom as the Windsor Family Credit Union (WFCU) sends them off. Roger Awad, age 64, will be supporting his brother Tom by joining him. Aside from creating organ donation awareness, they will be raising funds for the 2008 Canadian Transplant Games being held in Windsor, Ontario. Between 400 and 500 transplant athletes and their families will be participating in the Olympic style games to celebrate the “Gift of Life” they received and to honor their donors and their families. The University of Windsor is hosting the events at their new stadium.

See the poster below for all the details.

click image for larger picture

“You Have the Power to Save Lives – Sign Your Donor Card & Tell Your Loved Ones of Your Decision”

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LIVING GREEN RIBBONS FORMED ACROSS THE PROVINCE

Events held in 11 cities to recognize National Organ & Tissue Donation Awareness Week in Ontario

April 26, 2007 - Toronto, ON – Trillium Gift of Life Network (TGLN) and The Kidney Foundation of Canada, working in partnership with local volunteer groups formed province wide living green ribbons over the last 5 days in recognition of National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week in Ontario.

“This is a record year for the number of cities participating in the living green ribbon event,” said Frank Markel, President and CEO of Trillium Gift of Life Network. “This is an excellent opportunity to raise awareness about organ and tissue donation across this province, and we hope all of the events this week will help people think about organ and tissue donation, talk to their families about their wishes and sign their donor cards.”

Participants wearing green ponchos joined together and formed Living Green Ribbons in Guelph, Hamilton, Kingston, London, Ottawa, Renfrew, Sarnia, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, Toronto and Windsor.

"When we began the Living Green Ribbon, our greatest wish was that it could become a provincial event drawing attention each year to the tremendous need for organ and tissue donation," said Leanne McDougall, Director on the Kidney Foundation Ottawa Board. "Our dream has become a reality and now, with the support of the Trillium Gift of Life Network, Kidney Foundation offices across the province are holding their own Living Green Ribbon events. Together we will be able to take a strong message to everyone in Ontario that organ and tissue donation works, saves lives, gives sight, eases suffering and provides a second chance to many who feared that chance would never come."

The Kidney Foundation of Canada began The Living Green Ribbon concept 6 years ago in Ottawa, Ontario.

Today in Ontario, 1748 patients are on the transplant waiting list. Of those, 1086 are men, 632 are women and 30 of those patients are children.

“National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week is a 7 day event held annually to promote the importance of organ and tissue donation,” said Markel. “Events like this one today celebrate the efforts of volunteers, the generosity of donors and the lives of those who have been given the gift of life. If you want to find out about more events that are taking place this week, please visit our website at Trillium Gift of Life.

Note: For information about all participating cities & links to photos of previous Living Green Ribbons please go to: Living Green Ribbon.