NORTH BATTLEFORD — A remarkable transformation has unfolded over the past week for Larry Labbe, who recently returned home after a groundbreaking double lung transplant that has forever changed his life.

“I woke up 12 hours after the surgery, completely confused. I looked at the nurses and asked, ‘Am I alive?’ They reassured me, ‘Yes, you made it,’” Labbe recalled, his voice still filled with disbelief and gratitude.

Labbe's journey to this moment has been fraught with difficulties, dominated by his long battle with pulmonary fibrosis—a debilitating condition that gradually suffocated his ability to breathe. He recounted, “It started a couple of years ago; it just kept getting worse, making even the simplest tasks daunting.” Eventually, Labbe required full-time oxygen support, relying on it even for daily activities like walking or climbing stairs.

Throughout this arduous period, he remained buoyed by the unwavering support of his family, friends, and community. A GoFundMe campaign initiated by a close friend accumulated over $10,000 to assist with his medical expenses during his prolonged inability to work. “The generosity of my community has been overwhelming in the best possible way,” Labbe expressed, deeply moved by the outpouring of kindness.

The Saskatchewan Transplant Program played an essential role in facilitating Labbe’s surgery. After months of tests and evaluations, he was placed on the transplant list in February. However, the journey was fraught with uncertainty.

“Every day felt heavy with a mix of anxiety and hope,” Labbe shared. On August 24, everything pivoted with a life-changing phone call. “I was resting when I received the news from Edmonton. They asked, ‘Are you ready?’ I enthusiastically replied, ‘I’m ready to go!’” It was the moment he'd been waiting for—an organ donor was found.

Labbe vividly remembers the days leading up to the surgery. The rigorous exercise programs he undertook were vital to ensure he was fit enough for the transplant. “You have to be in the best shape possible; they won’t proceed if you’re not strong enough,” he explained. “It was a relentless battle to stay healthy.”

After an anxious flight to Edmonton and a six-and-a-half-hour surgical procedure, Labbe awoke with an exhilarated sense of renewal. “I have brand new lungs and a brand new life,” he declared.

The initial signs of his recovery were nothing short of miraculous. “Previously, I would have to pause to catch my breath, but now I can converse freely without feeling winded. It's liberating!” However, the recovery is not without its challenges, as Labbe must navigate a fragile immune system post-surgery. “The first six months are critical. You really have to protect yourself since your body is learning to accept the new lungs,” he cautioned.

Isolation has been one of the more difficult aspects of recovery, as he needs to wear a mask most of the time to prevent infections. “It feels a lot like living through COVID again,” Labbe noted, but he remains grateful for the support of his sister, Debbie, who has been his steadfast companion throughout the ordeal. Her emotional and logistical support was invaluable during this harrowing chapter of his life.

Now back home, Labbe is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of organ donation. “Please, think about becoming a donor. It saves lives, my life included,” he urged, emphasizing the impact one organ donor can have, potentially saving up to eight lives.

With over 2,800 individuals on the kidney transplant waiting list alone in Canada, and many others waiting for vital organs, Labbe recognizes the need for increased dialogue about organ donation. “It’s critical that we talk about this. I’ve made a promise to share my story and encourage as many people as possible to consider becoming donors.”

“I’m just so thankful to be alive,” he said, his voice imbued with deep appreciation as he embarked on this new chapter of life, one defined by hope, perseverance, and a commitment to advocate for life-saving organ donation. Every day is now seen as a gift, not just for himself, but for others who are still waiting for their life-changing call.