1 year checkup, 1 lifetime away

Keith 2.0

Last time I wrote here, there was a new ring, a pending wedding, and Keith on a continued positive health trajectory.  

The wedding was a huge success, and we were able to celebrate with our families and friends in a way that would not have been possible without the gift that Keith had received earlier last year.  

THE PLANE!!! THE PLANE!!!

I think this could actually work....

It was a chilly day in October, but the sun was shining, our family and guests were treated like kings and queens, and Keith and I could not have been happier.  

Let's get the mechanics out of the way:

Keith's 1 year numbers were great.  PFT (Pulmonary Function Testing) was 89% (compared to his 8% pre-transplant, and the average healthy person of 80-90%).  He did his 6 minute walk and walked 718 metres, and all other standard blood workups were good.
There was some concern about kidney function as his creatinine levels were up, but they have levelled off and are at a completely safe level now and the nephrologist has no concerns.  We will keep an eye on the kidney function over the next year just to make sure that it is working as it should.

Essentially, all this means that these amazing incredible lungs, are working beautifully in Keith's body.  The medications that he takes to keep his body from rejecting the lungs, are working well to keep it all happy.  Here is a link to the post that I put on Facebook on the day of his "lungiversary".  If you haven't found the page and liked it, please do.  It's a great way to connect with us.

Ruth Vibe, Sarah Taylor, Keith Childerhose

On the evening of January 29, 2014, we had the honour and privilege to have dinner at the home of Ruth Vibe, the widow of John Vibe who was Keith's donor.   It is very rare in Canada to connect with your donor family from a deceased donor, but we have been so blessed by this friendship and connection.  Getting to know the family of the man who is Keith's hero has been incredible.  CBC did an excellent job sharing the story.  See video here.

Our local paper, The Oakville Beaver, continues to print excellent coverage of Keith's story.  Here are links to their recent article and video.

Thank you all, for your incredible outpouring of support and positivity over the past year and a half.  Keith is forever grateful to his donor, and to all of you for all of your kindnesses and practical help.  

This year, for a new years resolution, I resolved to share the need for organ donors with a stranger at least once a week.  Share with everyone how Organ Donation saves lives, how they can be a hero also if they register at beadonor.ca, and share their wishes with their loved ones.  Tell your loved one that it is important to YOU.

John Vibe - Forever in our hearts, and always a hero