She's waiting for a double lung transplant and hopes to spread education and awareness on organ donation. My name is Jessica McDonnell and I was born with a rare birth defect in Trenton, Ontario, called Primary Ciliary Dyskinsia (PCD). For the most part my childhood was like any other childhood, only I was sick a lot. Cold & Flu Season was harder for me than others. Cilia hairs are important for c
leaning the lungs, sinus, and ears, so because of that I got a lot of lung infections. Cilia hairs also are what move the egg into the embryo, to bare children, so having a child naturally is difficult. I met the love of my life, Arthur Rosenplot, at 16. He has stood by me through thick I was born in Trenton Ontario Canada on Dec 30 1981. I was born with a rare birth defect called and thin. My health didn't really affect me until I was about eighteen or nineteen. I noticed that I just could not keep up with my friends. At 21 I went to a lung specialist who said that I would never be able to carry out daily activities to my full potential and that I should think about getting a lung transplant. I than learned my life expectancy was about 50 years old. The idea made me nervous, but I tried and stay positive, and at 21 years old I did not quite understand the gravity of the situation. My health usually remained fairly stable......then 2009 happened. That year my health took a huge turn for the worst. When I would leave my house to visit my parents or my brothers, and I would come home and instantly be sick. I would have fevers of 104 on a regular basis, and then found out I had double walking pneumonia. My husband Arthur rushed me the Trenton Emergency room and learned I was knocking at deaths door. Immediately I was sent to Belleville General Hospital ICU and they absolutely saved my life. Due to the overwhelming damage of the pneumonia I now have to wear oxygen 24/7 something I knew would happen eventually, but I certainly never expected it at 27 years of age. A specialist advised me of the damage done to my lungs and informed me that I was going to need a lung transplant. Not later.. But, right now. At my pre-lung transplant assessment I met Dr. Binnie of Toronto General Hospital. When he spoke with us, he was determined to get me help and treatment for my lungs. I was then sent to St Michaels and received treatment from the amazing Cystic Fibrosis team that treated me during my full week of assessment for the lung transplant, and afterwards I felt incredible! After 28 years I was actually able to receive treatment for my once mystery illness, and it was wonderful! I was actually able to not wear my oxygen for 3 weeks. It was an amazing three weeks. I was listed on the Lung Transplant list, beeper and all since May 11th 2011. I am extremely hopeful for my new lungs. When I get them, I know I will have the best hospital in the world working on me and I am confident in their work. My husband and I cannot wait to simply enjoy life and each other’s company outside of my house and without being restricted to this oxygen cord. I simply want to be independent. I want to be able to work and help out my community like so many people have helped me. On July 2nd and August 2nd I received false calls, so we rushed up to Toronto and got prepped for surgery and all ready to go, only to find out that the donors lungs were infected and not useable. Naturally we were disappointed. I know that everything happens for a reason, and I take comfort and knowing they are enjoying their lives and I will be ready for the lungs when they are no longer. This is a gift I will not waste. A gift that so many of my friends, family, and my husband Arthur will be grateful for every day I breathe. Thank you all for reading about me,
P.S Organ donation saves so many lives, and so little people do it! I urge anyone that reads this letter to please go to www.beadonor.ca and donate the gift of life! Remember 1 person’s donation can save 8 lives, that is 8 people who desperately need your help... Not to mention all the people who love them and want them to get better. Thank you.. Jessica McDonnell
