‘It’s life-changing’: Headingley man shares his lung transplant experience

A Manitoba man who received a double lung transplant is sharing how the donation gave him a second life. Harrison Shin has more.

A Headingley man is sharing his story of how a double lung transplant gave him a second chance at life.

Paul Meilleur was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis about eight years ago.

“It’s a hard few months after (the diagnosis), and then you become ‘This is my life,’ and you have to accept it—other than that slim chance that you might get a transplant because there’s a shortage of organ donations out there,” he told CTV News.

Meilleur was fortunate to receive a double lung transplant about four months after his diagnosis.

“It was 7:22 a.m.—that you’ll never forget—and you get that phone call, and it was an absolute shock,” he said.

April 7 is Green Shirt Day, observed in memory of Humboldt Broncos player Logan Boulet, who died following a fatal bus crash on April 6, 2018, that killed 16 people and injured 13 others.

Before his death, Boulet had registered as an organ donor. His parents, Toby and Bernadine, honoured his wishes, and his organs went on to save six lives.

“By being able to donate (that) has made an impact on so many, and to want them to be registered donors and for them to have conversations – it makes me really proud,” said Bernadine.

For some conditions, such as kidney disease, transplant is often the only path to a full recovery.

“Kidneys are one of those organs where they can come from a deceased donor—but many people are living kidney donors and people can live healthy, full lives and donate a kidney—and many do,” said Jill Goth, manager of programs and public policy at the Kidney Foundation of Canada.

Since his transplant, Meilleur says he takes around 40 pills of medications and vitamins, monitors his vitals, and keeps a record of his health every day—something he describes as a small price to pay.

“I think of (the donor) every day—such a selfless act. A true bravery for his family to follow through—on that day, I just can’t imagine how difficult it is.

“It’s life-changing … I decided to take up hockey again and other sports—and it’s just never thought of.”

Those who wish to register as an organ donor can do so online.