A chance to breathe easy
After a year of ups and downs, Leeann Galloway is in line for her double-lung transplant
NORTH RIVER, N.S. – Emotions swirl as Leeann Galloway prepares for one of the most important chapters in her life.
“I’m overwhelmed, I have a lot to do, I’m scared to death,” said Galloway, who lives in North River. “My husband’s scared but very happy. He’s very positive.”
After a brush with death and months of anxious waiting, Galloway, 47, is finally ready for her double-lung transplant.
News of her approval came Dec. 6. She will move to Toronto with her husband in January to await a suitable donor and undergo surgery, followed by three months of therapy and recovery.
Word came just as Galloway was recovering from yet another lung infection, following a bout of pneumonia earlier this year.
Now fit for surgery, she may still have to wait longer than average for a donor, owing to her O-positive blood type. The donor has to be a match.
A Gofundme account has been set up to cover expenses and currently $1,350 has been raised.
But Galloway says she will need about $30,000 to fully cover costs of renting an apartment in downtown Toronto, medication and transportation, among other expenses. She says government will only cover rent up to $2,500.
All this comes on top of her regular household bills in North River.
“People don’t realize the cost of everything behind the scenes,” said Galloway.
Even after returning home, Galloway will need to visit Toronto every three months for two years, so doctors can check if her body is rejecting her new lungs.
Double-lung transplant patients can live for years after the operation if their bodies do not reject the new organs.
But the clock is ticking for Galloway, whose existing lung function has gotten progressively worse.
Doctors have diagnosed Galloway as having chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, though they don’t know exactly what is wrong.
Galloway’s late father had alpha one antitrypsin disease, a blood protein disorder that impacted his lungs and resulted in him undergoing a transplant. He passed away 18 months later.
So far, blood and other tests have not indicated the same condition in his daughter. But Galloway needs an oxygen tank at home to perform the most basic tasks.
“Right now I have no choice, I have approximately two years to live with the lungs I have,” said Galloway. “Anything could take me out at this point.”
Galloway has suffered breathing problems for the last 12 years. A pneumonia infection triggered her condition.
To make a donation for Galloway’s surgery, visit https:// www.gofundme.com/f/ Double-lung-transplant-forleeann-galloway.