Desmond's Double Lung Transplant
Donation protected
Our Story
Desmond is my husband of 27 years. When we met, we didn't think having children was possible, and then Des suggested we watch a documentary about Invetro Fertilization and that was how we came to be the de Vries family, our 2 little miracles.
Des was an avid waterpole player for years, always active and never smoked.
Diagnosis
Then 5 years ago, he found climbing hills to be difficult, just could not breath, it was discovered that he was missing an enzyme and diagnosed with Alpha Tripsen 1, a rare breathing disorder.
He is now on long term disability and finds it difficult to bend down, even to tie his shoes. He is on continuous oxygen, goes through 12- 14 cylinders a week and carries them at all times. He was told a double lung transplant was inevitable.
The Process
A one month stay in Edmonton for testing, not compensated for the travel, need to provide your own accomodations and must have a care giver with you.
Once testing is done, placed on a waiting list until a set of lungs becomes available.
Once you get that call, you must leave immediately for Edmonton with your caregiver.
After the operation
A 1 month stay in hospital and a 2-3 month stay near the hospital and a coupous amount of medication (30-40 pills) to ward off any infection, these are not all covered by our medical plan.
The Lung association does not have a Ronald MacDonald house so the expenses can be overwhelming.
My hope is to raise a few dollars to help out with the living expenses and the travel to and from Edmonton.
We will also except prayers and lots of good luck!
Desmond is my husband of 27 years. When we met, we didn't think having children was possible, and then Des suggested we watch a documentary about Invetro Fertilization and that was how we came to be the de Vries family, our 2 little miracles.
Des was an avid waterpole player for years, always active and never smoked.
Diagnosis
Then 5 years ago, he found climbing hills to be difficult, just could not breath, it was discovered that he was missing an enzyme and diagnosed with Alpha Tripsen 1, a rare breathing disorder.
He is now on long term disability and finds it difficult to bend down, even to tie his shoes. He is on continuous oxygen, goes through 12- 14 cylinders a week and carries them at all times. He was told a double lung transplant was inevitable.
The Process
A one month stay in Edmonton for testing, not compensated for the travel, need to provide your own accomodations and must have a care giver with you.
Once testing is done, placed on a waiting list until a set of lungs becomes available.
Once you get that call, you must leave immediately for Edmonton with your caregiver.
After the operation
A 1 month stay in hospital and a 2-3 month stay near the hospital and a coupous amount of medication (30-40 pills) to ward off any infection, these are not all covered by our medical plan.
The Lung association does not have a Ronald MacDonald house so the expenses can be overwhelming.
My hope is to raise a few dollars to help out with the living expenses and the travel to and from Edmonton.
We will also except prayers and lots of good luck!
Organizer
Debi Smith-de Vries
Organizer
Calgary, AB