London Health Sciences Foundation

Grateful Patients

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Kathleen Zavarise
Prior to coming to LHSC I was told to prepare for the worst….. And that is what i did. My organs were failing and the only thing that would save my life was a liver and kidney transplant but the doctors did not think I would live long enough to get it. The waiting turned into days, weeks months and there were days I truly thought the doctors were going to be right. All I could think of was that I had so much I still needed to do. I needed to watch my adult daughters graduate university, step into their careers, get married and have children of their own one day. I had also just started a list of places I wanted to travel with my husband as he had just retired and I was scheduled to follow shortly afterwards. I was so sick I rarely left my house let alone my bed unless it was for dialysis ( which I did 5 times per week) or other medical appointments/procedures. Just as I was about to lose all hope ( Infact I had just finished planning and preparing my funeral arrangements) I received a call from Transplant Coordinator, Amy Chambers. Amy shared with me that she had just received my referral and knew she needed to “get me in fast’. This meant more testing and procedures and then even more testing and procedures after that. It also meant several very early morning commutes almost 2 hours each way to The London University Hospital. Each time I entered those doors I was always treated with great care and compassion and that the comfort of knowing I was in great hands, but also knew time was of the essence. Then the day came that I got THE CALL. I was told to report to the hospital as they believed they had found a kidney and liver match for me. It is impossible to begin to explain the magnitude of emotions my family and I felt that day. It was a mix of fear, hope and grief. Hope that I would receive the life saving transplant that I so desperately needed, fear of not surviving the surgery and grief for a family that has just suffered a loss of a loved one. I am so very grateful to the organ donor and their family for going through all that they did so I, and likely others have a second chance at life. I am also so very thankful to the amazing surgeons, doctors,nurses,lab technicians,social worker, physiotherapists, PSW, administration staff that all played such important roles in my story. But without Transplant Coordinator Amy Chambers, there would be no story to tell. Her support, care and compassion was truly amazing. I can still picture her literally skipping down the hall to my room after my surgery. Something else I tell everyone about Amy is that when I was discharged from the hospital she gave me very specific instructions. She said, “go live your life”. And I have done just that!! In the one year since my transplant I have travelled Boston, Nashville, New York City and Disney Word to celebrate by one year transplant anniversary. I have been zip lining,indoor skydiving,rock climbing, hiking in Algonquin , The New York City Climb and the CN Tower Edgewalk. I have watched my daughters graduate university and accomplish amazing things. I am also a very passionate and active advocate for the Trillium Gift of Life taking every opportunity I can to awareness about the importance and impact of organ and tissue donation as a way of saying thank you to the unknown hero who saved my life and in the hope that other lives can also be saved. Through the year and during Beadonor week I participated in several information/education events and speaking engagements. I was also successful in having the CN Tower and Niagara Falls illuminated green and was even handed the controller to make it happen. I am a Transplant Ambassador, member of the Kidney Patient and Donor Alliance,volunteer for the Kidney Foundation and Kidney Walk Participant. I have also had the privilege of participating in speaking engagements and campaigns for Canada Blood Services. I will be attending the Canadian Transplant Games in Ottawa August 2024 and a member of a transplant dragon boat team. This past year has given me courage hope,strength,faith and LIFE.It has given me time to spend with family and friends, create memories,chase dreams and celebrate moments that I would not have otherwise. I have the hero who saved my life,my family and friends who stood by my side all the way, and the amazing medical staff LHSC to thank from the bottom of my heart.
Prior to coming to LHSC I was told to prepare for the worst….. And that is what i did. My organs were failing and the only thing that would save my life was a liver and kidney transplant but the doctors did not think I would live long enough to get it. The waiting turned into days, weeks months and there were days I truly thought the doctors were going to be right. All I could think of was that I had so much I still needed to do. I needed to watch my adult daughters graduate university, step into their careers, get married and have children of their own one day. I had also just started a list of places I wanted to travel with my husband as he had just retired and I was scheduled to follow shortly afterwards. I was so sick I rarely left my house let alone my bed unless it was for dialysis ( which I did 5 times per week) or other medical appointments/procedures. Just as I was about to lose all hope ( Infact I had just finished planning and preparing my funeral arrangements) I received a call from Transplant Coordinator, Amy Chambers. Amy shared with me that she had just received my referral and knew she needed to “get me in fast’. This meant more testing and procedures and then even more testing and procedures after that. It also meant several very early morning commutes almost 2 hours each way to The London University Hospital. Each time I entered those doors I was always treated with great care and compassion and that the comfort of knowing I was in great hands, but also knew time was of the essence. Then the day came that I got THE CALL. I was told to report to the hospital as they believed they had found a kidney and liver match for me. It is impossible to begin to explain the magnitude of emotions my family and I felt that day. It was a mix of fear, hope and grief. Hope that I would receive the life saving transplant that I so desperately needed, fear of not surviving the surgery and grief for a family that has just suffered a loss of a loved one. I am so very grateful to the organ donor and their family for going through all that they did so I, and likely others have a second chance at life. I am also so very thankful to the amazing surgeons, doctors,nurses,lab technicians,social worker, physiotherapists, PSW, administration staff that all played such important roles in my story. But without Transplant Coordinator Amy Chambers, there would be no story to tell. Her support, care and compassion was truly amazing. I can still picture her literally skipping down the hall to my room after my surgery. Something else I tell everyone about Amy is that when I was discharged from the hospital she gave me very specific instructions. She said, “go live your life”. And I have done just that!! In the one year since my transplant I have travelled Boston, Nashville, New York City and Disney Word to celebrate by one year transplant anniversary. I have been zip lining,indoor skydiving,rock climbing, hiking in Algonquin , The New York City Climb and the CN Tower Edgewalk. I have watched my daughters graduate university and accomplish amazing things. I am also a very passionate and active advocate for the Trillium Gift of Life taking every opportunity I can to awareness about the importance and impact of organ and tissue donation as a way of saying thank you to the unknown hero who saved my life and in the hope that other lives can also be saved. Through the year and during Beadonor week I participated in several information/education events and speaking engagements. I was also successful in having the CN Tower and Niagara Falls illuminated green and was even handed the controller to make it happen. I am a Transplant Ambassador, member of the Kidney Patient and Donor Alliance,volunteer for the Kidney Foundation and Kidney Walk Participant. I have also had the privilege of participating in speaking engagements and campaigns for Canada Blood Services. I will be attending the Canadian Transplant Games in Ottawa August 2024 and a member of a transplant dragon boat team. This past year has given me courage hope,strength,faith and LIFE.It has given me time to spend with family and friends, create memories,chase dreams and celebrate moments that I would not have otherwise. I have the hero who saved my life,my family and friends who stood by my side all the way, and the amazing medical staff LHSC to thank from the bottom of my heart.

S
Shaji

My family's experience with London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) was truly transformative. When my wife was diagnosed with a thyroid Cancer condition, LHSC became our beacon of hope. From the moment we walked through the doors, we were greeted by friendly and helpful registration staff who guided us through the necessary paperwork, making a daunting process feel manageable. Throughout my wife thyroid surgery journey, LHSC made an immense difference in our lives. The entire team, from doctors to nurses, embraced us with warmth and professionalism. They took the time to explain every step of the process, easing our anxieties and empowering us to be active participants in my wife's care decisions. Dr. John Yoo, along with his resident Dr. Sarah Zahabi, in particular, stands out in our minds. His expertise and compassionate approach were truly exceptional. He not only performed the surgery with precision but also provided unwavering support to our family throughout the entire journey. His dedication made a profound impact on my wife’s recovery and our peace of mind. My family and I want to express our deepest gratitude to the incredible nurses in the Recovery, PACU and C5-100 departments at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC). Your unwavering dedication and compassionate care during my wife’s thyroid surgery made a significant impact on us. To these exceptional nurses, thank you for your outstanding care and tireless efforts. Your compassion and commitment to excellence were truly appreciated, and we are forever grateful for the positive impact you had on my wife’s recovery. Thank you for making a real difference in our lives. To other patients considering LHSC for their medical needs, I would like to convey a message of reassurance. You are not just another case at LHSC; you are a valued individual deserving of the highest quality care. And to the generous donors who support LHSC's mission, your contributions truly change lives. Your kindness ensures that patients like my wife receive the care they need to thrive. In conclusion, LHSC is more than just a hospital; it is a place of healing, compassion, and hope. Our family will be forever grateful for the difference LHSC has made in our lives, and we encourage others to trust in its exceptional care and consider supporting its mission however they can.

My family's experience with London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) was truly transformative. When my wife was diagnosed with a thyroid Cancer condition, LHSC became our beacon of hope. From the moment we walked through the doors, we were greeted by friendly and helpful registration staff who guided us through the necessary paperwork, making a daunting process feel manageable. Throughout my wife thyroid surgery journey, LHSC made an immense difference in our lives. The entire team, from doctors to nurses, embraced us with warmth and professionalism. They took the time to explain every step of the process, easing our anxieties and empowering us to be active participants in my wife's care decisions. Dr. John Yoo, along with his resident Dr. Sarah Zahabi, in particular, stands out in our minds. His expertise and compassionate approach were truly exceptional. He not only performed the surgery with precision but also provided unwavering support to our family throughout the entire journey. His dedication made a profound impact on my wife’s recovery and our peace of mind. My family and I want to express our deepest gratitude to the incredible nurses in the Recovery, PACU and C5-100 departments at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC). Your unwavering dedication and compassionate care during my wife’s thyroid surgery made a significant impact on us. To these exceptional nurses, thank you for your outstanding care and tireless efforts. Your compassion and commitment to excellence were truly appreciated, and we are forever grateful for the positive impact you had on my wife’s recovery. Thank you for making a real difference in our lives. To other patients considering LHSC for their medical needs, I would like to convey a message of reassurance. You are not just another case at LHSC; you are a valued individual deserving of the highest quality care. And to the generous donors who support LHSC's mission, your contributions truly change lives. Your kindness ensures that patients like my wife receive the care they need to thrive. In conclusion, LHSC is more than just a hospital; it is a place of healing, compassion, and hope. Our family will be forever grateful for the difference LHSC has made in our lives, and we encourage others to trust in its exceptional care and consider supporting its mission however they can.