Priceless gift transforms man’s life Unexpected transplant fixes failing kidneys, ends constant dialysis regime BY JOYCE CARLSON
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“I would like to say...thank you for saving my life. I really appreciate the small things in life now, things that people take for granted.” – Paul Stroomer
aul Stroomer was stunned when he found out he was going to get a long-awaited kidney transplant. The 35 year old had been living with failing kidneys for eight years and going for dialysis three days a week for four hours each time. Because he has a rare blood type, the chance of finding a suitable match for him was less likely than others. He had been moved onto the active list last October which put him in the top 100 people awaiting a kidney transplant. “I was told because of my blood type, it was slim pickings for me, and I didn’t want to hear that,” Paul explained. “I wanted to give up so many times, but I am a stubborn person, a stubborn Dutch man.” The call in the first week of May came to inclusion Powell River - as Paul is a client who uses the organization’s services. Staff went on a hunt for him because he needed to be in Vancouver later that day for prepping. ”Luckily, Powell River is a small town,” he said with a chuckle. Tarra Tipton, IPR’s Home Share manager, was one of those out looking. When he was found after 45 minutes, she drove Paul to the ferry with minutes to spare. “Our conversation on the peninsula was emotional because he realized someone had to lose their life for him to get this gift,” said Tarra, who had worked directly with Paul for the past three years. Paul was put on dialysis when he arrived and waited
until 2 am for the operation. Tarra was with him the entire time. “It was definitely an unbelievable experience. After so long of feeling pretty negative about the cards he was dealt, about it being unfair at such a young age, he was given this opportunity. When he woke up, he said he felt good in spite of the pain from the operation.” Paul said he is grateful to Tarra for supporting him and for being there during the procedure and after.
WAIT, WAIT, WAIT... HURRY: After an eight-year wait for a kidney – due to his rare blood type – Paul Stroomer had to zip to the ferry with next to no notice to make it to his Vancouver transplant operation.
PACIFIC SALMON FOUNDATION 12th Annual Powell River
GALA DINNER & AUCTION Saturday, 22 October 2016 Dwight Hall, Powell River Dinner will be catered by Executive Chef, David Bowes starting with an incredible seafood appetizer bar including Totem Sea Farm sablefish and local prawns from Pebble Beach Prawns, followed by a delicious buffet dinner. Live auction items will include exciting trips, fishing adventures, original artwork, jewellery, giftware and other unique items.
5:30 pm • Reception & Silent Auction 7:00 pm • Dinner 8:30 pm • Live Auction
Tickets $50 per person
Powell River Salmon Society
Available from Marine Traders, Powell River Outdoors and River City Coffee Tables of 10 available • All sales final ALL NET PROCEEDS WILL BE DIRECTED TO SALMON CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION ACTIVITIES IN THE LOCAL AREA
This space sponsored by
Balfe/Somers Wealth Management
Bringing them back stream by stream… POWELL RIVER LIVING • october 2016 •
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