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At the mercy of the kindness of strangers
By Mary Giuliano
Brenda Macdonald walks carefully with oxygen tank in hand, barely able to speak as she walks a few steps. Brenda grew up in Fernie but now lives in Coleman, Alberta. Her father, Doug Macdonald was a Hydro manager. Her mother passed away in 1991 at age 51, her dad at 63 in 1998 from the same pulmonary illness affecting Brenda. Her sister committed suicide five years ago at age 47.
Clearly this woman is no stranger to personal heartache.
Last year my daughter Julie was diagnosed with cancer. This past July while recuperating from surgery she discovered that the McPeek family of Fernie were fundraising to help Brenda, who is in need of a double lung transplant. Julie saw the posting and felt compelled to help although she didn’t know Brenda. Diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease several years ago at age 50 Brenda’s future is bleak. She needs a transplant, cost of the surgery is covered by Alberta Health Services but travel and accommodation to Edmonton are not. Brenda requires six weeks of respiratory and pulmonary rehabilitation to build up strength before transplantation.
After surgery she has to remain in Edmonton for three to six months as it is essential to be close to hospital in case of rejection. Several pieces of equipment including a spirometer to measure breathing are required to be purchased by her and assistance during this tenuous period is also needed.
Her husband has been granted approval to take five months off from work without pay; however, with their youngest child still in school and no money coming in the situation has become very difficult.
Brenda shows us letters from her doctor and from the lung heart transplant team, her doctor (Dr. P Lee Oveatt) states that if someone who is fundraising needs confirmation of her condition they can contact him.
Brenda is at the mercy of the kindness of strangers to help her live and so Julie, husband Paulo, son Paulo Jr. and a devoted following of friends and family congregated at Julie’s home to enjoy refreshments and treats and bid on many donated auction items.
Paulo Jr. held his own fundraiser cooking hot dogs and selling them. Those who couldn’t make the auction made cash donations to the online site set up for Brenda ([email protected]). Last Friday Julie, family and friends met in the Pass to meet Brenda and hand her a cheque ($5,250 in total raised with silent auction, cash and online donations). However, much more is needed to help this woman achieve this life giving procedure.
To be part of this amazing giving of the heart you can send donations to Brenda at PO box 164 Coleman, AB., T0K 0M0, donate at the CIBC bank in Blairmore, contact Julie at 403-241-3725 or online at the above Telus address. It is not often we are given the privilege of truly helping to save a life. Please think about donating to help save this one.
