Test Your Limits: September 2012

Meet Andrea

When I was 22 and finishing up a Biology degree at UBC in Vancouver, my heart failed out of the blue, probably due to an unknown virus. It all happened very fast – I was studying for exams, playing volleyball and working part-time one week and the next week I fainted, went into heart failure and was soon on life support in multiple organ failure. Because I was dying, the heart team decided to implant a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) and a right-VAD to take over the function of both sides of my heart and buy me some time to a heart transplant. It was a tough adjustment as I had never been sick or had surgery before.

Jurate is the winner of the Contest "Dr. D Fitness Assessment".

Jurate received a heart transplant almost 8 years ago. She is doing great. Enjoying life to the fullest.

How can I get South Pole t-shirts and sweatshirts?

2000 Visits

The Blog have received more than 2000 visits!!!!

Thank you everybody for your support. It is very nice to realize that many patients, friends and family members (especially Mateo and Sofia) are very motivated to exercise and eat healthy.
You don't need to climb a mountain or to go to the South Pole in order to be fit !!!.

It is also amazing to know how a simple blog can help people to learn more about organ donation and transplantation.

More good news....

Training at Home

Some pics taken by Mateo during my training at home.

I have been doing interval training, combining weights, cardio and some martial arts. And of course, Sofia always wants to challange her daddy.

South Pole Appreciation Party

On October 11, 2012, the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre together with the Windsor Arms Hotel will host the South Pole Appreciation Party to celebrate the generous supporters of the Test Your Limits Program.

The evening at the Windsor Arms will be an opportunity for us to thank our greatest supporters of the Advanced Heart Failure Program.

The Advanced Heart Failure Program is one of the world's leading programs dedicated to end-stage heart failure research. Funds raised in support of the Test Your Limits directly support the Advanced Heart Failure Program's research advancement, education and life-saving patient care.

Live Life. Test Your Limits. Support Today

My Research

For almost a decade our research group had studied the comprehensive aspects of the molecule HLA-G. This molecule was initially discovered in the placenta. This molecule inhibits cells that provoke miscarriages. Therefore, those mothers without this molecule have more chances of not accepting (rejecting) their babies.

We had applied those concepts in the area of immunology and transplantation. We found that patients who carry this molecule, have less rejection and other complications associated to their transplant.

About Organ And Tissue Donation

One donor can save up to 8 lives through organ donation and enhance the lives of up to 75 others through tissue donation.

Every three days someone dies in Ontario waiting for a life-saving transplant. More than 1,600 Ontarians are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant.

Everyone is a potential organ and tissue donor, regardless of age.

Recovery of organs and tissues is carried out with respect and dignity.

Studies show that donating the organs and tissue of a loved one who has died can provide immediate comfort and long-lasting consolation to family members in their grieving.

Test Your Limits

Meet Andrea

Meet Jurate

2000 Visits

Training at Home

South Pole Appreciation Party

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