President's Comments
President Paul Rostrup welcomed us, and the many spouses and guests to our Tuesday night meeting at the Edelweiss.
Paul noted that Past-president Joe Dwyer's father, Adrian, passed away last week, as did Judy Proctor's mother. Our condolences to the families.
He also noted that 11 of our members joined the Rotary Club of Guelph (our sponsor back in 1922) in celebrating their 100th anniversary. We came away with a few ideas for our own anniversary celebration.
Happy Jar
Not held
Bell Ringer(s)
Not awarded
President's Wine Quiz
Not held
Club Announcements
John Webster spoke about In Vino Caritas, to be held on Thursday April 16 at the Tannery.
There a several new items this year. First, there will not be a silent auction. This will be replaced by four or five live auctions. The items will include a flight for two anywhere that WestJet flies, a high-end BBQ and a $2,000 custom-made suit. They also anticipate several learning stations (perhaps lessons on how to tie a bow-tie, how to cut your vegetables into eye-catching displays for your party table, and tips on flower arranging).
The one thing that has not changed, is that we need to sell tickets. If you are able to drum up a sponsor - that would be great as well. Remember that different levels of sponsors receive complimentary tickets for the event. If a guest is coming anyway, for a few dollars more they can provide additional support for Rotary, and also get some promotion.
50/50 Draw
Not held
Program Highlights
Our guest speakers were Louise and Graham Gardiner.
As we are all aware, the family went through the life-saving and life changing experience of Graham going through a double lung transplant in 2017.
Louise provided us with some statistics. in 2016 there were 4,554 lung transplants (195 in Ontario), with 911 being single transplants, and the majority being double transplants. In Ontario, the lungs came from 118 donors, and there were also 2,413 other tissue transplants. Lung transplants are handled in the London and Toronto General Hospitals.
Graham provided a bit of background, and noted about 15 years ago he was diagnosed with scleroderma, a hardening and tightening of skin and tissue. While it was treated with steroids, it eventually attacked his lungs, and resulted in a respiratory attack in November 2017. After an evaluation (including ensuring that he was not overweight and was psychologically fit), he was put toward the top of the transplant list. At that time he required a 24 hour caregiver (Louise) to monitor him and take notes.
On December 9 he was asked to come to Toronto and go through prep. Unfortunately the lungs were not suitable, and he was sent home, only to be called back again on the 21st. Louise noted that they look at blood types, as well as size in making their evaluation. There is generally a longer wait for women as they cannot accept as large a lung.
These lungs were acceptable, and the surgery was successful.
However, surgery is only the starting point - post surgery issues often, and in Graham's case, did arise. He was experiencing kidney failure, rejection issues and respiratory issues. He was put into a coma, and was on a respirator for 28 days.
Members of the family were with him every day, but Louise noted that the thing that they never got used to was having a new nurse every day (reasons not given).
In late February there was another rejection issue, and his enzymes were changed five times - each a 2 hour process.
For the next few months Graham had to spend most days in the hospital, but they were able to rent a condo across the street, and Graham could leave daily. Eventually he was cleared to go home on weekends (returned to Toronto Sunday afternoons). He then shifted to visits every three months, then six months, and now annually (for life).
Graham stressed the importance of visitors - whether in person or via emails or telephone. Don't just ask how he is doing, but note what you are doing (and what he can hope to return to). It is important that you accept that you have a disease - but be positive. As well, while it is a personal issue, so not discount the importance of prayer to the patient. Although he did not see a "white light", he did hear a deep soothing voice that told him “You are not dead until you say you are dead” He remembers thinking he did not want to die that day and he didn’t.
When asked, he indicated that while he was in his long coma, he did not hear anything going on around him. He does remember that his mind remained active (recalling golf trips to Jamaica - flying in a Russian plane, fly fishing trips to Scotland (he doesn't fish - but he adopted a dog named Molly), and hovering over and observing a community in the K-W area in 1915.
They noted that they are able to drop a note to the donor family (no identification either way). They did this, but received no reply.
They encouraged that we consider organ donation. It was noted that it is important that you make your family aware of your wishes, and that is important to you. Notwithstanding your wishes, the family can deny the actual donation.
Louise and Graham are willing to share their story - if you become aware of the need. You can
connect directly with him at lg.gardiner@rogers.com.
Closing Remarks & Reminders
Next week we are back at the Crown Plaza at noon Monday for a shortened meeting. Louise will provide further training on social media.
