Transplanter

🚨🚨 Hold up almost forgot but not quite.... Thanks to my donor and family RIL much love and thoughts, without you I wouldn't be here today, I am eternally grateful. 🙏
I've soldiered on 11 years and counting. Thoughts to my 24hr Lung trio the late van der Zanden Evelyn van der Zanden & Burt Andrew Burt awsome to be able to share our stories together, 3 completely different backgrounds brought together by "a series of unfortunate events" (IYKYK😆). Massive shoutouts to the transplant team (🙏you guys do a top job) who have all but left (unfortunately) - Helen, Denise and Colleen. Jamie you got some big shoes to fill but you're doing a pretty solid job. The Doctors Mark O'Carroll and al the new registrars coming up the ranks. Man too many to mention but anyway, some massive milestones in the last few years and now I get to enjoy my son achieve great things in his life. One of many to come I couldn't be more proud as a dad. just had his prize giving for 1st season 25/26 of U10 soft and hard ball grade cricket for WCC (Waitakere Cricket Club) stay tuned next Black Cap test player in the making. To my whanau - continued support through thick and thin I don't ask for much but you're always there to prop me back up. And last but not least my ❤️ Donna Lote for being there for everything all the ups and downs. You stay solid. Soo raise your vessel 🍻, 🥂, ☕, 🍼,🍹, 🍸, 🍶, 🍵, 🥤, 🧉 and cheers to you, life and the future. ( Reply with a BEVERAGE emoji👍🏾) Bring on 2027.

Respiratory fact of the day:

FEV1 = Forced expiratory volume in one second: The volume of breath expired (exhaled) with effort in one second.

FVC = Forced vital capacity: The full amount of air that is expired with effort in a complete breath.

Big milestone - 1 decade post double lung transplant. I feel as blessed today as I was when I woke up in ICU, tubes and all hanging out everywhere.
Thank you to my donor and their family who selflessly gave, so someone (me) could continue living.
Every sunrise is a gift many people take for granted. So I say thank you.
There are many people to thank, the medical team for 1, and my family in particular putting up with me and for the ongoing support, it has come with its challenges but also many blessings and adventures along the road and many more to come.

Raise your vessel cheers 🍻 to life and heres to another 10.

#204 #206

Also a special shout out to these two who we shared this special event and memories with, Peter (RIP) and Theresa 🍻 here's to another 9. Lesh go

Happy birthday to me, 9 years ago this day I woke up out of a 🫁 surgery that changed my life and my family as I knew it. Things like that change and alter the world around you hopefully for the best. I'm forever grateful No. 1 - my donor without who I wouldn't be around today No. 2 - all the medical team🧑‍⚕️🚑🏥 who pulled off a grand design and No. 3 - for all my family and friends who were by my side all the way through and still support me today. There's been some ups and downs but those challenges make me a stronger person.

Hi everyone it's been along time since I've posted anything on here, as you know 2015 I had my transplant, and everything thing was ticking on well for a while then 2018 was a troubling year for me, I had a big turn of events as many may know, 2020 - 2021 was no exception with the threat of COVID.
Fast forward to 2023 - 8 years on, and I'm still going strong. Every year above ground or out of hospital is a blessing, thank you so much to my donor (anonymous) and their family - in death there is life.
Thank you to the transplant staff for the continuous care and support, the bond of friendship with the wider transplant family, support from my own family and friends.
And in memory of those who have gone before us.

3 years since transplant and still going well.
Thanks to my donor and there family. It's a time of happiness and sadness losing someone's life to give another life. Also thinking of Teresa Burt 205 and Peter Van Der Zanden 204 (The 3 musketeers)

Waiting for my 7 monthly ultrasound, make sure my guts are in the right place.

We had a pretty good effort this year, as always selling all 3 boxes of fish, thanks to all who bought fish, your contribution is well appreciated. Sorry to those who missed out next year will be your next opportunity, so if you want fish you need to get your orders in fast or you'll miss out.

Early start this morning 0800 at greenlane for lung function and clinic later on. loat a little bit of weight but up to FEV1 106% 5.79 Ltrs all good for another 3 month WOF.
At Hearty Towers for a quick visit thought it was time to stick my mark (Blue 206 - lungs) on the board among some of the other elite HT crew.