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Our mother, Audrey Boudreau, was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis in October 2015.
Mom had been symptomatic for a little more than two years before she was diagnosed. Her symptoms included shortness of breath, coughing, severe rib and chest pain, and a general lack of energy. Even walking and everyday activities eventually became unbearable.
Mom worked as a teachers aide for over 30 years. She worked at Greenfield Elementary School in New Waterford since it opened. She is incredibly passionate about her work and misses being with her students. Before her diagnosis, Mom could be found at the school after work hours doing many different projects such as organizing the Scholastic book fair, or decorating for various holidays. She loved nothing more than preparing events for the kids.
As with anyone who is sick, Mom finds it difficult to focus on herself and allow others to take care of her. Her diagnosis now requires that she have a full-time support person with her at all times.
Mom grew up as the oldest daughter of eight brothers and sisters. She is used to helping and supporting others. Now she finds it difficult to take care of herself. Simple daily tasks like showering and drying her hair are exhausting. Without assistance she would not be able to make it through the day.
Those who know Mom, know she loves sewing and gardening. Whether it was making curtains for friends or skating outfits for their kids, she always seemed to have a needle and thread in her hands. As kids, some our fondest memories with Mom involved playing some kind of game or arts and crafts.
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is the build-up of scar tissue on the lungs. The cause is unknown. It is more often diagnosed in the elderly but has recently become more common among the younger population. Mom is only 57-years old. In addition to the unknown cause, her doctors have explained that her disease has no treatment and no cure. The only path forward would be a lung transplant.
Mom has required oxygen 24 hours a day to assist with her breathing since she was diagnosed. Life expectancy of IPF is estimated to be between three and five years from the onset of symptoms.
The process to have Mom's name placed on the waiting list for a double lung transplant has been long and frustrating. After being diagnosed, Mom finally moved to Toronto in late July - nearly two years later. As there is no lung transplant services offered in Nova Scotia, she was accepted to the Toronto Lung Program. It is a requirement to live within 45 minutes of the Toronto General Hospital in order to qualify. On August 10th she was officially registered for the transplant list.
The cost of living and medical expenses are very high but we are determined to help Mom along this journey. All of the proceeds from the fundraising will go directly to Mom's healthcare costs and living expenses. As we have come to learn, many aspects of this process are not covered by goverment funding. Although Mom is a very private person, we feel it is important to share her journey so we can offer her support during this difficult time.
Thank you for taking the time to read our story.
Lots of love from our family,
David, Renée & Anthony Boudreau
Mom had been symptomatic for a little more than two years before she was diagnosed. Her symptoms included shortness of breath, coughing, severe rib and chest pain, and a general lack of energy. Even walking and everyday activities eventually became unbearable.
Mom worked as a teachers aide for over 30 years. She worked at Greenfield Elementary School in New Waterford since it opened. She is incredibly passionate about her work and misses being with her students. Before her diagnosis, Mom could be found at the school after work hours doing many different projects such as organizing the Scholastic book fair, or decorating for various holidays. She loved nothing more than preparing events for the kids.
As with anyone who is sick, Mom finds it difficult to focus on herself and allow others to take care of her. Her diagnosis now requires that she have a full-time support person with her at all times.
Mom grew up as the oldest daughter of eight brothers and sisters. She is used to helping and supporting others. Now she finds it difficult to take care of herself. Simple daily tasks like showering and drying her hair are exhausting. Without assistance she would not be able to make it through the day.
Those who know Mom, know she loves sewing and gardening. Whether it was making curtains for friends or skating outfits for their kids, she always seemed to have a needle and thread in her hands. As kids, some our fondest memories with Mom involved playing some kind of game or arts and crafts.
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is the build-up of scar tissue on the lungs. The cause is unknown. It is more often diagnosed in the elderly but has recently become more common among the younger population. Mom is only 57-years old. In addition to the unknown cause, her doctors have explained that her disease has no treatment and no cure. The only path forward would be a lung transplant.
Mom has required oxygen 24 hours a day to assist with her breathing since she was diagnosed. Life expectancy of IPF is estimated to be between three and five years from the onset of symptoms.
The process to have Mom's name placed on the waiting list for a double lung transplant has been long and frustrating. After being diagnosed, Mom finally moved to Toronto in late July - nearly two years later. As there is no lung transplant services offered in Nova Scotia, she was accepted to the Toronto Lung Program. It is a requirement to live within 45 minutes of the Toronto General Hospital in order to qualify. On August 10th she was officially registered for the transplant list.
The cost of living and medical expenses are very high but we are determined to help Mom along this journey. All of the proceeds from the fundraising will go directly to Mom's healthcare costs and living expenses. As we have come to learn, many aspects of this process are not covered by goverment funding. Although Mom is a very private person, we feel it is important to share her journey so we can offer her support during this difficult time.
Thank you for taking the time to read our story.
Lots of love from our family,
David, Renée & Anthony Boudreau