"Giving others a second chance at life"
Organ Donation now just a click away
Sarah Doktor
Delhi News Record
After living the majority of his life connected to oxygen, Robert Brush was nervous to remove the mask after he received a new set of lungs in 1998.
"I was like Linus" said Brush in an interview in his Delhi home, referring to the Charlie Brown character that totes around a security blanket. He recalled how he kept the cannula on for days after the surgery, even though no oxygen was flowing. He was comforted by the familiarity of the medical equipment against his face.
Since removing the cannula, Brush has undergone a second successful double lung transplant in 2001 and is now dedicated to living an active life and spreading awareness for organ transplants.
"I was so happy to have a life," said Brush, "I just wanted to give back."
Each year, Brush goes to area high schools to speak with students about the importance of becoming a future organ and tissue donor. Last year, there were about 1500 people waiting for an organ transplant in Ontario. Brush explained that approximately every three days one person will die while waiting for a transplant.
Only 21 percent of Ontario residents are currently registered to be organ donors. Anyone in Ontario can register his or her consent to be a future organ donor at www.beadonor.ca.
"Back in 1998 we were not as updated as we are now. Now you can register online," said Brush.
This process will clarify for doctors working on a patient who may not survive if they would like to donate their organs. Of course the family is still asked, but the hopes are that the loved one has already spoken to the family and made their wishes known.
With that said, with just one click you can register consent and in the future, you may be able to save multiple lives.
One person can save up to eight lives, and can enhance the lives of up to 75 others through tissue donation.
"It might be your last wish, but it's something great you can do after you pass," said Brush.
Even if you signed a donor card you still need to register consent online, or doctors will have to ask next of kin for their consent.
As the recipient of two double lung transplants, Brush knows what it is like to finally receive word that there is a transplant waiting for you.
"It's quite the special call," said Brush. "We don't know who gave us this chance, but you're always reminded you're given this life by someone who made a decision."
National Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Week is April 22 - April28 2012.
'Every day you say thank you'
By BARBARA SIMPSON - Delhi News-Record
Posted 12 hours ago
Robert Brush celebrates three birthdays each year.
While the 46-year-old was technically born May 3, he also marks two days -- Aug. 18 and June 25 -- for extending his life. Brush, who has cystic fibrosis, had double-lung transplants on those days.
This week, Brush will mark the 10th anniversary of his second double-lung transplant. He remains grateful for the gift of life -- a gift that has allowed him to watch his children grow up and to grow old with his wife Dorothy.
"Every day you say thank you," he said from his home. "Just getting a glass of water -- you wouldn't be doing that unless it was for someone else."
Brush received his first set of lungs in 1998. He moved for the surgery to Toronto, even working out at the hospital to ready his body. Two years later, his body rejected the double-lung transplant.
"I picked up a bug and I couldn't shake it," he recalled. "The bug spread throughout my body and basically rejected my organ."
Back on the waiting list, Brush's call for a second pair of lungs was answered on June 25, 2001. A late-night page delivered the good news. Brush jumped into his car and drove to the Toronto hospital.
"It was a beautiful night," he recalled. "Little cars on the road."
This transplant wouldn't be as simple as the first. Doctors had to work with a body already accustomed to a pair of transplanted lungs.
"I ended up in the hospital for two months after the second surgery because it was a difficult surgery," he said.
Recovery was made easier with the support of his community. The public raised money to help Brush with travel and living expenses for both his surgeries. Strangers even penned letters of encouragement.
His wife Dorothy held things together on the home front. Their youngest child, Christina, was only nine years old at the time of the second surgery.
"I was very lucky to meet her (Dorothy)," Brush said. "She has been the rock in our whole family."
Since his second transplant, Brush has lived a busy, albeit healthy, life. He watched Christina graduate from high school and start college this year. He also does deliveries for his wife's Subway franchise in town.
Brush has also become an active volunteer. He is currently the secretary of the Delhi District Chamber of Commerce. As a Trillium Gift of Life volunteer, he also speaks about the importance of signing organ donation cards to community groups. People in need of transplants require a large pool of donors, Brush explained. About 25% of registered donors cannot have their organs or tissues used.
"The more people, the better," he said.
Brush figures his volunteer work is the least he can do for his gifts of life.
"Giving back is the only way you can pay back for giving you this life," he said.
Donors save lives
By Chris Thomas - Special to News-Record
Wednesday April 20, 2011
The importance and value of organ and tissue donation was brought to life in the Grade 10 civics class at Delhi District Secondary School last Thursday.
Delhi's Robert Brush addressed the class to promote Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week April 17-23.
"More awareness saves more lives," Brush said, noting there are currently 1,500 people in Ontario waiting for organ donations. He added that one dies every three days without a donation.
Brush himself is about to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the double lung transplant that saved his life
"I'm a survivor," he said. "I'm so happy to be here."
Brush was invited to address the class by student teacher Matthew Malcolm, whose father had donated a kidney to his sister. He added the civics class is designed to make students more informed citizens and active in the community.
"Robert really hits home," Malcolm said, explaining that decisions the students make have an impact on the community and beyond.
Brush, who was afflicted with Cystic Fibrosis / Bronchiectasis, spent much of his early life in hospitals. Yet he went on to earn a doctorate in psychology.
However his condition worsened and he underwent a transplant in 1998. Unfortunately the transplant didn't take and he was forced to undergo a second in 2001. At the time, he was one of only 28 people in Ontario to receive a lung transplant.
In the ensuing years, Brush has been active in concert promotions and a variety of local causes.
"I'm so grateful for the support I've received over the years," he said.
Organ and tissue donations in Ontario are coordinated by the Trillium Gift of Life Network that has saved hundreds of lives each year. A major emphasis is to encourage more people to register their consent to donate. Although 90% of Ontarian's are in favour of organ donation, only 17.5% over the age of 16 have registered their consent.
"There's nothing worse than knowing a loved one can't survive without a donation," he said.
Brush urged the students to talk with their families about becoming a donor before anything might happen. He emphasized that one donor can save the lives of eight people and enhance the lives of 75 others.
Student Raena Dietrich was grateful for the information.
"When I die, I will definitely donate my organs," she said. "It just makes sense."
Brush said organ donation is "an example of love and caring for your fellow man."
"Be kind to your friends," he said. "They may become your donor."
Transplant recipient spreads word about organ donation:
"You guys wouldn’t have recognized me before my transplants"
Vicki Hartlen
DELHI NEWS-RECORD
Thursday April 19, 2007.
Robert Brush knows the value of life.The Delhi resident has received two double lung transplants in the last nine years."You guys wouldn't have recognized me before my transplants," said Brush, as he stood before Delhi District Secondary School’s exercise science class earlier this month. "I went from being an 80-pound man, who was unable to even walk around the block to the 160-pound man I am today, who can’t stop walking or talking."Brush was a special guest to the class after approaching Carly Salvador, who teaches the class."Mr. Brush asked if he could come in and talk to the class about such things as organ donation and Bronchiectasis," said Salvador, moments before Brush’s talk began.Brush, who was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis / Bronchiectasis as a child, said he took the opportunity to come into DDSS as "an opportunity to touch at least one life" about the positives of organ donation.
"One of the aspects I wanted to focus on in my talk was the fact that organ donation is something you should discuss with your family before the situation where it might become a question arises," said Brush. Brush shared with the students the numbers of Ontarian's waiting for organ donations - 409 people for liver transplants, 38 for hearts, 458 for kidneys, 46 for lungs, four for heart and lungs, 32 for pancreas, one for small bowel and 46 for kidney and pancreas. "Those are a lot of people waiting for the gift of life," said Brush, who is all too familiar with that wait.Brush said he shared with students how signing an organ donation card and talking about your wishes to donate organs can potentially save up to 75 people."That’s up to 75 people who could get your organs, you skin for burn victims, your corneas for blind people and so much more," said Brush. "It’s the gift that means life to all of those waiting."While Brush said he tried to share aspects of his life, including his ongoing struggles with Cystic Fibrosis / Bronchiectasis and diabetes, he also explained that not all organ donors are able to donate."Sometimes if people choose to donate their organs for one reason or another they may not be viable organs or due to an underlying issue or condition the organs may not be salvageable," he added. "That’s why we need people to consider organ donation because the more people who opt to donate their organs the more people can be saved."Brush also dispelled myths about organ donations."I had a (DDSS) janitor come up to me and ask me, ‘If you’re donating your organs, do they give up on you easier?’ Those are false things that need to be corrected," said Brush. "It isn't until you are brain dead that organ donation is usually brought up. And doctors will continue to work on your regardless of your organ donation wishes."Brush said he was unsure what the students might have gotten from his speech, but is hopeful at least one or two of the students is weighing the possibility of organ donation more heavily."If I even touched two people and brought awareness for the issue, I’m happy," said Brush. "I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for everyone that’s impacted my life. Now I want to give back."
Community response to concert "disappointing"
Fundraiser for Camp Trillium and Delhi health centre
Kate Schwass
Delhi News-Record
Wednesday November 01, 2006
Fifteen talented Norfolk and area musicians hit the Delhi German Home stage to raise money for two great causes Sunday.It’s too bad hardly anyone came to watch them, organizer Robert Brush said.“I am disappointed more people aren't here,” he said. “Most of these bands were here last year. Some of them called me, asking when the next concert is because they wanted to be part of it. In my heart, I’m thinking I’m glad they came back. They were here, so there’s always something good.”The early afternoon performances saw a lackluster audience at the Delhi and District German Home on Sunday afternoon for Concert to Cure 2. Money raised from the event would be split between Camp Trillium and the Delhi Community Health Centre. The performances later in the afternoon and into the evening brought in a few more bodies, but it wasn't the packed house committee members were hoping for. Despite singing to the volunteers, a bartender, a newspaper reporter and her family, Tara Ramsey, 17, of Delhi said she enjoys performing and helping a good cause.
“I like doing things for the community and definitely for charity. If I can be part of something, then that’s great,” she said, calling her audience a “nice little crowd.”John and Linda Brearley of Silver Hill genuinely had fun on the stage, giving a shout out to a few of the audience members and singing both covers and original songs.Their reason for coming out for Concert to Cure 2?“The kids,” John said.The Trillium Childhood Cancer Support Centre offers and promotes recreational experiences to bring children with cancer and their families together. Camp Trillium operates two sites in Ontario. Garratt’s Island (since 1989), near Sandbanks Provincial Park in Picton, and Rainbow Lake (since 1997) in Waterford. All of their programs are free to the families.The Delhi Community Health Centre will welcome its fifth doctor next month. Mike Jiggens, who spoke on behalf of the centre, said funds raised at Sunday’s concert will help pay a few bills.“It’s been a tremendous success story here in Delhi,” Jiggens said of the centre. Music at Concert to Cure 2 varied from country to punk to a Capella Ben Andress of Glen Meyer came home from Niagara College where he’s in his third year of television broadcasting. He spiced things up with his unique musical styling at one point jumping off the stage for a guitar solo.“Anything like this, it’s just great having people coming out and supporting the community,” Andress said.
Five years later, lung transplant recipient thriving.
Vicki Hartlen
Delhi News-Record
Wednesday September 13, 2006
Birthday celebrations are important for many, but for Delhi’s Robert Brush this year’s was a landmark.“I celebrated my 41st birthday this year,” said Brush from his Eagle Street home. “That was a birthday I was told I’d never make it to, but I did.”Brush was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis / bronchiectasis in the 1960's at a time when he said, “little was known about the disease” and even less about the lifespan.“There really wasn't much out there for treatments back then,” recalled Brush. “The doctors basically said I would have a short life.”According to the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, CF is “the most common, fatal genetic disease affecting young Canadians.”While the foundation explains that CF “affects mainly the lungs and the digestive system,” it is the buildup of thick mucus in the lungs that makes it difficult to clear bacteria and can lead to cycles of infection and inflammation, which damages lung tissue.In the digestive tract, CF makes it difficult to digest and absorb adequate nutrients from food. Brush has lived with the disease throughout his life. By the age of 19 he’d spent the equivalent of seven years in the hospital for various treatments.“Before my (lung) transplants there wasn't much I could do,” said Brush. “Tying up my shoes was a challenge because I didn't have the breath or energy to do it.”
Brush received a double-lung transplant on Aug. 18, 1998.“I was on oxygen 24-hours a day before I got my first transplant,” he said. “I couldn't do anything. I was in a wheelchair and I hardly had the energy to leave the house.”Following the transplant, Brush was discharged from the hospital 13 days later.“Before that transplant I only weighed 80 pounds,” explained Brush. “It was a wonder I made it as long as I did.”With the transplant successfully completed, Brush enjoyed years of better health and increased energy. However a few years later Brush’s body rejected his new lungs and he was put back on the organ donor’s list.“I was lucky to only have to wait six months on the list,” said Brush, who received his second double-lung transplant on June 25, 2001.It was on that June 25th date that Brush celebrated his 5th anniversary with his new lungs.“I know what it’s like to survive something and I’m a stronger person because of it,” said Brush. “I may have been born sick, but I always knew I wanted something better.”Brush, who now goes on regular walks throughout Delhi and plays guitar daily, said life has become so good for him he almost forgets what life used to be like.“I’m so grateful for everything I've accomplished and every hurdle I've conquered,” said Brush, who attributed much of his life’s success to his wife, Dorothy, and his three children Joseph, Clarence and Christina. While Brush said he’s thankful for his life, he hasn't forgotten the importance of supporting not only CF research, but also organ donations.“ I've become a strong advocate of organ donation because without it I wouldn't be sitting here talking to you right now,” he said, who also participated in April’s Organ Donor ceremony earlier this year. “Giving an organ helps give someone another chance at life.”Brush went to Toronto for his June 19, five-year assessment, which he “passed with flying colours.” Although he now has less problems breathing, Brush must take a series of pills to aid in digestion. He also was diagnosed with diabetes, a disease he strictly monitors.“Not many people have accomplished what I have,” Brush added. “Now that I've accomplished this much I know I have the strength to deal with anything else that comes my way.”Although there is no cure yet for CF, Brush is confident a cure will be found soon enough.The CCFF estimates that “one in every 3,600 children born in Canada has CF.” As of 2006 CCFF said there are about “3,400 children, adolescents and adults with CF attending specialized CF clinics.”
Delhi chamber events still a go.
Vicki Hartlen
Delhi News-Record
Wednesday February 08, 2006
The Delhi & District Chamber of Commerce has been continuing its work despite its low executive members.“Our executive still only consists of four people, including myself,” said Chamber President Mike Jiggens. “That point really hasn't changed much.”Jiggens sits on the chamber with vice-president John Stanczyk, treasurer Barb Hopkins and secretary Robert Brush.“As much as we were hoping more people would take an interest in the executive it really hasn't happened,” said Jiggens. Jiggens said the chamber currently represents at least 60 local businesses and work is continuing despite the small executive.
“Even though we don’t have the numbers we would like people to know that work still needs to be done,” he said.The annual Citizen of the Year and Junior Citizen of the Year nomination forms are already circulating throughout Delhi, with a deadline of March 1.“This is one of our more popular events,” said Jiggens, who added that this is the chamber’s opportunity to recognize “great Delhi people who help the community.”Although no entries had been received yet as of press time, Jiggens said that both junior citizen and citizen of the year would be recognized at the chamber’s annual dinner -- to be announced at a later date.Prior to the dinner, Jiggens said the chamber has also made final arrangements on their 2nd annual Trivia Challenge for March 23 at 7 p.m. at the Hungarian Hall.“This event was a great success for us last year, especially for a first time,” said Jiggens. The trivia night replaced the chamber’s former golf tournament, which instead was handed over to the Delhi Community Health Centre.
Performers have a lot of heart.
Kate Schwass
Delhi News-Record
Thursday August 18, 2005
There were some squeaks and squeals, some missed notes and forgotten lyrics, but everyone who performed at the Concert to Cure on Sunday had a lot of heart.The 12-hour marathon concert saw 20 bands on the line-up starting with Lindsay Moffatt and ending with the Eden-based group Rough Cut. “ I've heard some really great new talent I haven’t heard before,” Concert to Cure committee member Bob Missen said. “It’s been a wide variety of talent, from heavy metal, a great blues singer and one girl sang a song from Phantom of the Opera.”Concert to Cure was a benefit concert for Camp Trillium, which runs two camps: Garratt’s Island near Picton and Rainbow Lake just outside of Waterford. Camp Trillium, established in 1984, provides a camp environment for children affected by cancer and their families where they can relax and enjoy life again.Sunday’s day of music was the brainchild of Robert Brush, who said he wanted to help children living with cancer and support their families.Despite the amazing line-up, Brush admitted the audience never got very big. While he would have liked to see more people at the event, he said the money raised before and during the concert would certainly help.
“I’m a little disappointed about the crowd, but it’s not about that. It’s about the money we've raised,” he said. “We will help send kids to camp and just for one week, those kids don’t have to think about their sickness.”Money was also raised through a silent auction, donation jars around town and the sale of blue bracelets that say “Until there’s a cure . . . There’s Camp!”The Delhi-based band Elias (www.myspace.com/Eliastheband) rocked out in the hall and ended their set with the Beatles’ tune Come Together. For band member Jackson Cronmiller, participating wasn’t just about getting out to perform but it was also because of the cause.“My cousin had testicular cancer last year,” Cronmiller said. “We believe in fighting caner and we believe in the cause.”The band The Adams also took to the stage to perform and were a hit with the audience. The band, which formed this summer, is made up of Ken Butcher on guitar, Simcoe Composite School student Adam Dugas on bass and drums (at the same time) and female vocalist Kendell MacLeod (known to many 98.9 listeners as the voice of the summer cruiser). MacLeod said it was a great chance for the band to perform and support the cause.“It’s a good cause,” she said, adding if she knew a young person who had cancer, she’d want them to have the opportunity to go to a place like Camp Trillium.Missen said the Concert to Cure was a great idea and he had fun working on it.“This guy, he’s the man,” Missen said, pointing to Brush. “It’s his vision and tenacity that makes it happen.”Missen added making the concert an annual event might be in the cards.
Concert to Cure battles cancer
Vicki Hartlen
Delhi News-Record
Thursday July 21, 2005
More than 10 local bands, singers and performers will be joining forces to raise money for kids battling cancer.Concert to Cure is taking place Aug. 14 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Delhi German Home. “This is something I wanted to do to help kids living with cancer and the families that support and love them,” said Robert Brush, a committee member and the person who spearheaded the concert.The 12-hour concert will help benefit Waterford’s Camp Trillium, a camp specially designed for children living with and battling cancer. The camp provides a safe place for children to stay, while surrounded by other children with the same battle.“I was reading a lot of different sites on the Internet about cancer,” said Lindsay Moffatt, a pianist and performer at the concert. “One site said that everybody in Canada knows personally or at least knows of one person who either has cancer or has died because of it. That’s just too many.”Moffatt said her own grandmother has been battling cancer, which is one of the reasons she was so eager to lend her talents.“I know the money isn’t going to adults, but it’s going to kids with cancer,” said Moffatt. “As long as it helps someone it’s worth it.”
Currently, Brush said there are 14 performers, from bands to individuals, scheduled to appear on the stage.“We are still leaving the door open for more performers if they are interested,” he said, adding that the deadline for bands is Aug. 1.Kyle McCormick, a member of Grimm, and Alex MacNeil, a solo performer, said they are looking forward to singing for such a worthy cause.“There was no hesitation for me,” said MacNeil. “I knew it was for a good cause, so I knew I wanted to be involved.”In addition to the music, Brush and his committee members have also organized a silent auction, which opens at 9:30 a.m. and closes at 7:30 p.m.“We want to raise as much money as we can to help send a child to camp,” said Brush.The performers and Brush said they hope people plan to attend and support the concert.“Cancer is something that has touched so many people’s lives,” said Brush. To help those who have been affected express their feelings, Brush said they have scheduled a memorial concert for 2 to 4 p.m.“This is going to be a chance for people to read poems, reflect on friends and family members or sing,” said Brush. The cost of entering the concert as a solo artist is $5 or $15 for a band. Cost to attend the concert is $10 per person, $15 per couple and $20 per family. Tickets can be purchased by calling 582-7258, or visiting Valu-Mart, Pharmasave, Turf & Recreation, Delhi News-Record or through a committee member.
Delhi man receives 20-year service award.
Vicki Hartlen
Delhi News-Record
Wednesday January 26, 2005
Robert Brush has been honoured yet again.A double lung transplant survivor, Brush was recognized by the Lung Association for 20 years of continued service.“This was really more than I had ever expected,” said Brush, as he displayed his awards now hanging on his wall.Brush is only the sixth person in the history of the Lung Association to receive a 20-year service award. “If I’m able to help make a difference in even one person’s life, then I feel like I've done something worth being proud of,” said Brush. A father and involved member of the community, being honoured isn't something new to Brush.
He was awarded Citizen of the Year alongside Delhi’s Karon Firmani in 2004. He also celebrated three years of success with his second lung transplant June 25.“My life is good,” said Brush. “I have nothing to be ashamed of and everything to be proud of.”And not only is his wife Dorothy proud of him, but the Lung Association of Haldimand Norfolk also sings his praises.In their application letter the branch described Brush as “always willing to lend support,” with his “spirit of altruism” and that he was the “essence of all that we could hope for from a board member.”“This unassuming gentleman comes to our table with passion, an uplifting attitude and courage,” the branch wrote.They pointed out the Relay for Life race he organized in Delhi, after SARS had forced the cancellation of the Toronto SkyDome relay.“These are things I do without thinking about the recognition,” Brush said. “I do it for the fact of doing it and getting it done.”Even before he’s finished talking about his award, Brush begins to talk about his latest project: “Laps for Lungs.”Brush has been pitching the child-focused program at local schools and already has both Courtland schools interested in signing up.“ I've always been of the belief that children are our future,” he said. “Kids have always pulled on my heart strings. And if I can teach them, even one lesson, for the future then I’ll have helped them out.”
