Robert Alan Brush, Delhi ON
2x Double Lung Transplant Recipient
August 1998 / June 2001
My name is Robert Alan Brush, I am 53 years old and my birthdate is May 3, 1965. I am married, my wife's name is Dorothy, and together we have three children. Christina (27), Clarence (32) and Joseph (38). Our son Clarence and his wife Stacey had a baby girl on November 11, 2016, which made Dorothy and I grandparents.
I am a published Poet, an amateur musician and a survivor. In 2004, I was elected with a friend as Delhi Citizen's of the Year. in that same year, I was also awarded the Ontario Lung Association's Meritorious Service Award, for my 20 years of dedicated service and valuable partnership in the cause of improving respiratory health.
I was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis / Bronchiectasis at a very young age. I am the recipient of two Double Lung Transplants. Both of my transplants were performed at the Toronto General Hospital. My first transplant was August 18, 1998. I did very well initially, but almost two years into the transplant I went into rejection. Basically I caught a bug that my body could not fight off. My second transplant was on June 25, 2001. As this was my second transplant, it was a little more difficult and I spent the first two months in the Toronto General Hospital. When I did get to go home, I went home with another new beginning. I had a bit more knowledge of tranplantation, and I knew that I might not see another chance so I'd better do all that I can with this new found hope for a better life.
As the years went by, I found myself being able to invest in improving other peoples lives by doing something about it. In 2005, I formed a ten person committee, known as the "Concert To Cure" Committee. This committee is responsible for hosting a concert in our town of Delhi for the purpose of sending children living with cancer to camp. We have muicians from many places performing in our concert. Not only does this support the children, but it supports live music and presents a venue for musicians to showcase their talents. It is a win win situation. I am also a performer at "Concert To Cure." to date we have had five Concert to Cure's and have helped send about 20 children to camp.
Today, all of my dreams are now coming to fruition. On June 25, 2018, I will be celebrating 17 years post second double lung transplant. I still bump into people today whom I have not seen for a few years and they can not believe its me. I have done extremely well since my second transplant, thanks to the Transplant Team at Toronto General Hospital. Today I take a handfull of pills 4 times a day to help my body to become acustomed to the transplanted lungs. No more Oxygen 24 hours a day or ventolin treatments 4 times a day with a round of physiotherapy. Sometimes it is hard for me to recall all of the different changes that have occured in my life for the better.
After 20 years I have retired as the secretary of the Delhi District Chamber of Commerce, as I am on dialysis and being worked up for a kidney transplant. I have been involved in many local charity events, and have served on the Board of Directors for the Lung Association. I am an advocate for National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness, and also speak on my personal life of receiving two double lung transplants.
In my heart I know that; whoever made the decision to give me this life, I am making the best of it as I possibly can.
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, But by the moments that take our breath away.
#IHaveCfButItDoesntHaveMe
#AWorldWithoutCF
#beadonor
#GiftOfLife
#Trilliumgift
#KidneyTransplant
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