For most of us, climbing 14 stairs is something we never think twice about. But for Larry, those 14 steps became a mountain. “I had to stop three times just to catch my breath,” Larry recalls. “That’s when I knew my life had changed forever.”
Diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, Larry watched his world become smaller as every breath became more difficult. The disease slowly robbed him of the simple moments many of us take for granted: walking across the room, leaving the house, or climbing the stairs to his own bedroom.
Then came the waiting. Waiting for the phone call that could save his life
During his transplant journey, Lung Saskatchewan helped ease some of the financial burden through the Caring Breaths Financial Assistance Program. He also found encouragement and understanding through our Lung Transplant Community of Support, connecting with others who truly understood the challenges he was facing.
For Larry, having that support meant he didn’t have to face his journey alone.
Your donation helps ensure that people facing lung disease have the support and resources they need when it matters most.
Lung Saskatchewan began by supporting people living with tuberculosis in 1911. Today, we continue to fight for the 1 in 5 people in Canada affected by lung disease such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, sleep apnea, and lung cancer.
While medicine and treatments have changed over the past century, some things have not.
People still struggle to breathe. Families still need support.
Research still needs funding. Prevention still matters.
Every day, another story begins. Larry’s journey is an example of what your generosity has made possible.
Your support has helped ensure people across Saskatchewan don’t have to face lung disease alone. Because of donors like you, someone found hope after a diagnosis. Someone learned to manage COPD. Someone received financial assistance to access care. Someone avoided radon exposure. Someone benefited from life-changing research. Someone found the support they needed to keep moving forward.
As we celebrate our 115th anniversary, we’re reflecting on the lives that have been changed, not simply to look back, but to remind ourselves why our work must continue.
Today, you can help write the next chapter. With your continued support, Lung Saskatchewan will be here for the next family who needs us, and for the thousands of stories still waiting to be written.
Thank you for helping Saskatchewan breathe easier.
With gratitude,
Erin Kuan
President & CEO,
Lung Saskatchewan
P.S. Larry’s story is one of thousands made possible through your generosity. Your gift today will help Lung Saskatchewan continue improving lung health across our province.
115 Years. A Legacy of Lung Health
Since 1911, Lung Saskatchewan has continued to grow and adapt to meet the evolving lung health needs of Saskatchewan communities.
As we mark this milestone, we honour the people, partnerships and shared commitment that have shaped our past and will help shape our future.
We’re grateful for the legacy we’ve built together and remain committed to improving lung health for generations to come.