I knew my life had changed forever when I stood at the bottom of my staircase, staring up at 14 steps that suddenly felt like a mountain. Just a year earlier, I could have climbed them without a second thought. Now, I had to take them in three stages, stopping to catch my breath each time. My lungs simply couldn’t keep up.
My name is Larry, and I was born and raised in North Battleford. I worked as a maintenance operator in the city, setting up for events, hauling supplies, painting walls, and maintaining buildings. But in November 2022, everything changed.
A Life-Changing Diagnosis
I was feeling terrible—constantly short of breath and coughing a lot. I saw my doctor in town and was referred to a respirologist. By mid-December, after some tests, I was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. It is idiopathic, meaning the cause is unknown. Pulmonary fibrosis scars the lungs, making it harder and harder to breathe. There’s no cure—only medication to slow it down.
We talked about my work history, trying to figure out where it might have come from. We thought maybe something at work played a key role, but we weren’t sure. I was placed on medication after my diagnosis, but as the fibrosis progressed, breathing became more difficult. After my breathing test in March 2023, I was told I would be sent home with an oxygen tank to help me breathe. That was hard and emotional. Moving around with an oxygen tank wasn’t easy—you’re dragging it around, loading it into the car, unloading it, and unable to do as much as before. Sometimes, I’d take off the oxygen just to see how long I could go without it. I could only last 20 to 25 minutes, depending on whether I was sitting or moving around.
The Gift of New Lungs
I was listed for a lung transplant in February 2024 and got the call in August. I had no idea if I would get the call in time. One afternoon, my phone rang, it was a call from the transplant team. “Larry, are you ready? We have lungs for you.” I said, “Yeah.” I was actually nervous and scared. It took me about 30 minutes to settle down because everything was happening so fast. We had half an hour to get ready. My bag was already packed, but I kept checking and rechecking it. My sister Debbie had to stop me. She said, “You have everything. Just close it up and go.” A few hours later, I was on a jet bound for Edmonton. My life was about to change again—this time, for the better.
A Life-Changing Moment
I cannot stress enough the vital role my sister Debbie played in my journey from the very beginning. She stayed by my side throughout my hospital stay in Edmonton and has been a constant source of support. I am very grateful for her. Fast forward to after my double lung transplant surgery—just being able to breathe again without a machine was priceless! The moment I got home, I did something I never thought I’d do again—I walked up those 14 steps without stopping. My sister looked at me, stunned. “Do you realize what you just did?” And then it hit me—I was breathing freely!
Support from Lung Saskatchewan
I first heard about Lung Saskatchewan from the transplant team. I applied for support through its Caring Breaths Financial Assistance program and received funding to help with expenses. I also joined the Lung Transplant Community of Support, a platform led by certified health professionals at Lung Saskatchewan, that provides guidance and connection for patients and caregivers. After my surgery, I was happy to connect in person with the team at Lung Saskatchewan and excited to contribute to future initiatives that support lung health in the community.
Advocating for Organ Donation
I want to raise more awareness for organ donation because many people across Canada, including here in Saskatchewan, are still waiting. After the Humboldt tragedy, awareness surged, but that momentum has faded and we need to keep the conversation going. When I was on the transplant list, I wondered if I could help someone else if I didn’t make it. Now, after my surgery, I have signed up to be an organ donor. I want to help in any way I can to support others on their lung health journey.
For anyone going through the transplant process, I encourage you to stay as positive as possible. Everyone handles it differently, but positivity makes a difference. And remember—support is available through Lung Saskatchewan, your medical team, and support programs. Before my transplant, I had told myself, “If I come out of this alive and well, I want to do as much as I can.” If sharing my story raises awareness for lung health and organ donation, then it’s worth telling. Together, we can help Saskatchewan breathe easier. Thank you for supporting lung health.
Yours sincerely,
Larry Labbe