Two calls to the hospital only to find donated lungs were incompatible created an emotional roller-coaster ride for the Villani family.
Born with cystic fibrosis, 51-year-old Lorne had been waiting for a double-lung transplant at Toronto General Hospital since October 2012.
His father Don was with him the entire time, except for two weeks, and his mother Rena joined them December 1. “It took a toll on everyone,” his brother Rob said this week.
After the two false calls that included being totally prepped for the operation, a third call proved to be one with suitable organs. Lorne received his new lungs on June 5. He is now recovering and expects to be home by October.
“That’s the hope,” said Rob. “Everything is absolutely positive so far but we have been told there will be some pitfalls along the way.”
Rob said he has found his mom has “life in her voice again” and so does his dad. “I noticed the difference talking on the phone to them.”
Lorne had a major incident on his way to Palm Springs last fall where Rob was waiting to meet him. “After flying at 30,000 feet, he couldn’t breathe,” Rob explained. The brothers returned to Vancouver by car, Rob driving 12 hours a day for three days, and Lorne was taken immediately to St. Paul’s Hospital. It was there he and his family were told he needed a transplant if he was to live for more than a couple of years.
Lorne stayed in hospital as medical staff built up his stamina for a flight via medevac to Toronto. He and his parents have been staying in a rented condo, a 10-minute walk to the national cystic fibrosis clinic and right by the hospital where the transplant took place.
Lorne had basically been bedridden since November and was staying in hospital for three weeks before the operation. Rob said his legs are weakened but recently he climbed two flights of stairs.
Rob added that he is in awe of the commitment his parents have made: missing their grandchildren, Christmas, their wedding anniversary and Rob’s 50th birthday. “They have been 100 per cent committed to Lorne’s transplant.”
Thinking for a moment, Rob added “actually it has been a life-long commitment since Lorne was born.”
At one time children with cystic fibrosis, a disease of the lungs and digestive system, had a life span of four years; that increased to mid-20s and now averages mid-30s.
“Lorne has done very well,” Rob explained. “I firmly believe it is because he was physically active. He played soccer, volleyball, basketball, hockey and baseball. In recent years, he played a lot of golf, both here in Powell River and at our condo in Palm Springs.”
His doctor had recommended a high fat diet so “it was slices of bread with Cheez Whiz along with bowls of chocolate pudding,” added Rob.
The Dream Auction Golf Tournament committee decided last year to donate 25 per cent of the proceeds to help Lorne with expenses. The golf event is a joint fundraiser for cystic fibrosis and Powell River Kings hockey club. This year it will be held on August 10 and 11 at Myrtle Point Golf Club. Once again the proceeds will be divided into the same portions, according to one of the main organizers Doug McCormick. Corporate and individual foursomes are welcome to register for 18 holes of golf on Sunday, preceded by a banquet and auction on Saturday night.
If anyone wishes to donate items to the auction held in conjunction with golf, they can contact McCormick at 604.487.9188 or Lois Vanderkemp at Investors Group at 604.485.2552.
