VERNON — Two heart transplant recipients were at Vernon’s Jubilee Hospital Tuesday, taking part in the annual “Operation Popcorn”.
It’s an event held across the province that allows organ donor recipients to thank staff who help with organ retrieval.
Brian Parsons received a heart transplant nearly six years ago.
The 49 year old has been back working as a fire fighter in Vernon for nearly five years.
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He says he’s as good as new.
“You can come back to the point that you were before, with really no deficits.”
Also showing his appreciation at VJH today was 62 year old Tony Beeftink.
He had a heart transplant 25 years ago.
Since then, he’s run three marathons, watched his three children grow into adults and become a grandfather.
He says he’s also immensely grateful for the staff who help with the emotionally challenging work of retrieving organs, as well as the thoughtful donors themselves.
“It’s a very hard thing they have to do. It’s a very hard thing to consider. Most people don’t talk about it over the dinner table.”
This is the 22nd year for Operation Popcorn. It’s an event happening at 27 hospitals throughout BC.
In 2013, there were 314 total organ transplants performed, including 19 heart transplants and 215 kidney transplants. Currently, there are 3,547 organ donor recipients living in B.C.
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