The World Transplant Games

I made a commitment to myself that because I was able to, each year I would donate my time and money where I could to help those who wanted my time and money.  I’ve spent time with many different organizations and charities and have enjoyed every minute of it.   Last year, I donated my photography time to a fundraiser for ALS.

This year, I have chosen to donate my time once again, but to a different cause.   Last year, I had a friend who underwent an emergency heart transplant that literally saved his life.  I just learned that Dave has decided that with his new heart and new passion for life, he plans on competing in the World Transplant Games held in Goteburg, Sweden.  To help in his drive to be there at the games, I am donating $800 worth of time and services and will be placing a few bids on other items myself.  If you happen to win the bid, you can apply this credit to a portrait session, or if you’re planning on getting married in 2010, then you can apply this to any of my wedding collections.  Here’s the fineprint… there is no fineprint.  There is no exclusions or limitations.  I want you to enjoy your session with me the way it was meant to be enjoyed.

There is a fundraising event that is being held on November 20 at the Renfrew Community Centre (811 Radford Road NE) for participants of the World Transplant Games that I plan on attending and would ask that you try and make it out as well to show your support.  Tickets are $20 each and obviously go to a very worthy cause.

This is the story of David…

My name is David. On August 23, 2008 I underwent a successful heart transplant surgery.

It began with a cough. That’s all it was. A cough that everybody in their life experiences. However, this cough would not go away. A variety of cough suppressants were tried without success. Being an otherwise healthy 31 year old, I attributed the cough to working too much and not getting enough sleep.
I suspected that this cough wasn’t an ordinary cough when I couldn’t sleep for more than 3 or 4 hours a night and that I had troubles climbing a flight of stairs. I concluded that something was wrong when I climbed a flight of stairs and when I got to the top I could barely breathe and was extremely light headed. I made the decision then to go see a doctor. The date was July 26, 2008.

The walk‐in clinic doctor examined me and decided that I needed to go to the hospital. After a plethora of tests at the hospital, I received the news that I required a heart transplant. It turns out I contracted a virus which led to myopericarditis which is inflammation of the heart. The right and left ventricular failure of my heart soon followed.

I then spent the next few weeks in the hospital. On August 23, 2008 I was notified that a donor heart was available and I made the trip to Edmonton to have the transplant surgery.

Post surgery recovery was difficult, but with the support of my family and friends I was able to make it through.

I have spent the last year recovering and rebuilding myself. I’m in better shape now than I ever was before my surgery.

Saying this, I plan to participate in the World Transplant Games which are being held in Göteborg, Sweden from June 18th to June 25th 2011. However, I cannot do this alone. In order to raise money so that I can attend, a silent auction will be held at 7:00 pm on Friday, November 20, 2009 at the Renfrew Community Centre (811 Radford Road NE).

Thank You.

David

I encourage you all to come out and show your support and perhaps even make a bid or 6!  It’s well worth the cause!  And who knows, maybe we’ll get to work together!