PrintHealth research a cornerstone of Canadian innovation
Health research a cornerstone of Canadian innovation
About a year ago, a young Ottawa woman name Helene Campbell was rushed to hospital with collapsed lungs. She was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, an incurable hardening of the lung tissue. In October, she was told she would require a double lung transplant.
In the ensuing months, she learned firsthand the desperation faced by thousands of Canadians on organ donation waiting lists. In January, she started social media awareness campaign. Garnering widespread support, she brought in thousands of new organ donor registrations.
On April 6 she underwent surgery at Toronto General Hospital, and on July 16, the 21 year old returned to her home, planning the return to a normal life. She is a shining example for our country and I hope her story will continue to inspire Canadians to give the gift of life.
There is another side to this story that amazes me. The surgery Campbell underwent is relatively new. In fact, the first successful long-term double lung transplant was completed just six years before Campbell was born. Dr. Joel D. Cooper, then with the University of Toronto, conducted the procedure in 1986. It is just one example of the massive leaps made in health innovation in Canada.
Our government is proud to continue building Canada’s reputation as a leader in the field of health research.
On July 18, two days after Campbell returned home, we announced $10 million in funding, through the Canadian Institutes for Health Research, to support a project to improve the health of transplant patients.
In addition, on July 20, 11 of our government’s MPs and ministers fanned out across the country to highlight the valuable work of Canada’s health researchers. Our government currently funds more than 10,000 health research projects. Many of them have or will mark milestones in their respective fields. You can learn more about them at: www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca
The world of today is a much different place – a much better place – thanks to the efforts of our thousands of health researchers. They’re hard at work saving the lives of people like Helene Campbell.
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