Just nine months after Hélène Campbell received a double lung transplant, the Ottawa woman and organ donor advocate danced onstage on The Ellen Show during Monday’s taping.
The long-awaited appearance was a dream fulfilled for Campbell, whose courage and tireless spirit drew worldwide attention, including from TV host Ellen DeGeneres, last year.
Awaiting the double lung transplant, Campbell appeared on the Ellen Show via Skype last March to promote a campaign encouraging people to become organ donors.
At public speaking engagements both before and after her operation, the bubbly young woman would often take to dancing before the audience in an energetic effort to spread awareness about organ and tissue donation.
At the time, host Ellen DeGeneres promised that when Campbell was able to travel, she’d get to dance onstage.
Monday’s taping was first time Campbell met face-to-face with the TV talk show host, whom she hugged and danced with after taking to the stage in Burbank, Calif.
Backstage, Campbell said she it was a surreal experience.
“I watch Ellen back at home, and just knowing that I would someday sit in that red chair, it’s just incredible,” she said. “And I’m so grateful to the donor and their family because without them ultimately, I wouldn’t be here today.”
Since her transplant, the 21-year-old’s lungs show no signs of infection or rejection. She is currently working to rebuild her kidney function.
Catch the full interview with Campbell on Ellen today at 4 p.m. EST on CTV.
Etalk will air the entire backstage interview with Campbell tonight at 7 p.m. EST on CTV.
