Maritimes’ oldest lung transplant recipient starts campaign for pulmonary fibrosis research
At 76 years previous, RisePEI’s John Dennis grew to become the oldest Maritimer to obtain a lung transplant.
Now, on the age of 77, he is giving again by bicycling 700 kilometres round Prince Edward Island to boost cash for pulmonary fibrosis analysis.
Pulmonary fibrosis is, in easy phrases, extreme lung scarring. The illness took his brother’s life, and nearly his personal.
“My ribs have been so sore, and I used to be simply in such ache. I simply didn’t suppose I used to be going to final for much longer,” mentioned Dennis. “(My physician) mentioned, ‘No, you most likely would’ve solely lasted one other week or two.’”
In his 70s and about 70 kilos obese, Dennis did not qualify for a lung transplant in Nova Scotia, the place he lives, so after shedding the load and advocating for himself, he lastly bought a transplant in Toronto.
That was 14 months in the past and now, his wheels are turning.
Dennis’ 700 kilometre journey began on the Confederation Path in Charlottetown.
He is asking companies to donate $700 every, $1 for each kilometre he covers.
Dennis says the journey ought to take him about two weeks to finish and he goals to boost $1.4 million {dollars} within the course of.
“It’s an formidable purpose,” mentioned Marlene Bryenton, a coordinator for Dennis’ marketing campaign, referred to as “I Experience for You and Me.” “John appears to be a person that if he’s bought purpose in his thoughts, he’s a really decided man, and I believe that that purpose’s going to be reached.”
Dennis is off to an excellent begin. To date, he is raised over $11,000 earlier than Friday morning and was given one other $1,000 by a neighborhood pulmonary fibrosis group group earlier than he set off on his journey.
“I spend all my time now advocating for pulmonary fibrosis sufferers and the elevating funds for analysis,” mentioned Dennis. “It’s my life’s mission now.”
Dennis obtained one other piece of fine information Friday. Prince Edward Island Well being and Wellness Minister Ernie Hudson introduced the province now covers OFEV — a drug that slows the development of pulmonary fibrosis.
“It’s nice to have it added to the formulary,” mentioned Hudson. “To have the ability to assist anyone that’s in want of it.”
Dennis says his lung transplant has given him his life again.
“It has slowed me down,” mentioned Dennis. “However I’m going to be 78 this fall too, so I suppose I can’t complain at age 78 that I’m ready to do that.”
Anybody eager about donating to Dennis’ “I Experience for You and Me” marketing campaign can accomplish that on the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Basis’s website.
