“I am so grateful that Kim’s here…”
Richmond’s Jackie Hall will have no problem motivating herself or her #KimStrong team on Sunday, Feb. 24, as they scale the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre for the BC Lung Association’s 18th annual Climb the Wall fundraiser, in support of British Columbians living with lung conditions.
After all, one of those people living with such serious health problems is her husband, Kim, who survived a double lung transplant just over a year ago.
“This is our second year taking part. It’s one way we can recognize and give thanks to Kim’s lung donor, doctors, surgeon, transplant and rehab teams, the BC Lung Association, and everyone dedicated to improving the lives of lung patients and their families,” said Jackie, who lives with Kim, her partner of 20 years, and their kids, Charlie, 14, and Oliver, 8 at their home near Blundell and No. 4 roads.
Kim fell ill with an aggressive auto-immune condition in October 2017 and, by December, his immune system was attacking his lungs.
Around Christmas that year, Kim’s doctors agreed that his best option for survival was a transplant, and incredibly, only a day later, he got news that matching lungs were available.
By New Year’s, Kim had new lungs, thinking he’d begun the road to recovery.
And soon after Kim came through surgery in early 2018, grateful for all the support the family received, Jackie and her friends first signed up to participate in Climb the Wall.
They decided to name their team after a note Kim gave Jackie upon waking up from surgery: “He wrote ‘Be strong’,” said Jackie, a City of Richmond employee, “so we named our team #KimStrong.”
“I had hoped Kim would be well enough to come to climb with us this year, but he’s not quite there yet,” said Jackie.
“Unfortunately, as can happen, other health issues arose following his transplant which have kept him in hospital.
“His doctors and care team are working really hard to get him well, and we do what we can. Luckily Kim is an optimist – and is forever finding the humour in things.
“I’m so grateful that Kim’s here, but the recovery process has been complicated. In the 14 months since Kim’s transplant surgery, he’s only been home for 35 days. He was home over Christmas which was really nice, especially for the kids.”
Off work for eight months when Kim first got sick, Jackie returned to work in August 2018.
She says that it can be a lot to juggle work, daily treks to the hospital in Vancouver, and other family demands.
“Until someone you love falls seriously ill, there’s a lot you don’t consider,” she said.
“All the time off from work, as well as costs as simple as those for parking and television while in hospital add up. We’re so lucky to have the support we do.
“Not only from the healthcare community, but our extended family and friends. They’ve been beside us from the start.
“Many flew in from Eastern Canada just to be with Kim. Others closer to home have given their time so I could focus on his recovery.
“My colleagues at the City of Richmond have stepped up in a big way since the beginning, and, just before Christmas, my union co-workers helped us with Christmas expenses – I couldn’t believe it. It was so thoughtful. I feel blessed.”
To support the Hall family in their efforts, visit StairClimb.ca and make a donation to their team: #KimStrong.
Last year, organizers welcomed climbers ranging in age from 7 to 80- years-old.
This year, more than 300 climbers are anticipated, including 100 or so firefighters who show up, year in and year out.
To participate in Climb the Wall, participants pay a $25 registration fee and commit to fundraising a minimum of $125 in donations.
In return, every Climber receives a limited edition 2019 Climb the Wall t-shirt and brunch.
All event proceeds go towards much-needed lung health research, education, and advocacy programs across the province.
For more information, or to register, call 604.731.LUNG or toll free 1.800.665.LUNG or email [email protected].
