Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays from the McBride transplant family!
2010

We weren't sure how Christmas would be this year.  Michael was diagnosed last December on the eve of his family's annual Christmas party on a Saturday night [he didn't make it to the party...it went on without him].  Upon arrival at the Credit Valley Hospital Emergency, Michael was diagnosed with a Pulmonary Embolism & was pumped up with fluids [opposite treatment of a heart problem].  By Monday morning, he was given an echocardiogram which correctly diagnosed him with Congestive Heart Failure.  Once we received this diagnosis, we knew what lay ahead down the road.  Sadly, it all progressed sooner than we had anticipated.  Less than a year after his diagnosis, Michael gratefully received his donor heart.

Christmas 2009
What a difference a year makes!  This photo was taken on
Christmas - Michael had just recently been released
from the hospital

Considering he received his transplant a mere two months ago on October 27th, 2010, Michael seems in near tip top shape & was pretty much himself [aside from a newly-developed post transplant addiction to anything sweet - he literally devoured the cookie tray!].  We are so fortunate that we were able to spend our holidays together as a family unit!  It was a lovely day to celebrate good things!