The Pulmonary Post - April 2025
The Pulmonary Post - April 2025
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As the snow melts away and the scent of spring fills the air, many of us welcome the season with open windows — and for some, a few sneezes too. Spring allergies are on the rise, and they serve as a gentle reminder of just how important our lung health really is. This season, take a moment to check in on your lung health—or share a reminder with someone you love.

Speaking of breathing, our Breathe Strong Raffle is in full swing, with incredible prizes like VIP concert trips, e-bikes, and an unforgettable tour of Iceland. The Early Bird deadline is May 9th — don’t miss your chance to win while supporting lung health in Saskatchewan.

We’re honoured to share the story of Larry Labbe, double lung transplant recipient and advocate for organ donation, whose strength and positivity through his lung transplant journey remind us of why we remain committed to improving lung health in Saskatchewan.

We have more support group meetings on the way this spring for those living with sleep apnea, pulmonary fibrosis, COPD, or asthma. These welcoming groups offer a safe space to learn, connect, and breathe a little easier together.

We're excited to offer more learning opportunities in the coming weeks:

Lung Saskatchewan has received a Connections Mobilize Grant from Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF) to create a Web-Based Radon Mapping Tool & Report. It will visually map radon levels across Saskatchewan using data from over 550+ unique locations. By providing the public with a clear picture of radon risk areas, the new mapping tool will help promote testing and mitigation—key steps in reducing radon-related lung cancer.

Our first-ever Feisty Pickles Pickleball Tournament was a rallying success — bringing community members together for fun, fundraising, and a shared passion for lung health. Thank you to everyone who played, supported, and cheered us on!

Thank you for being part of our community. With your continued support, we’re building healthier lungs and brighter futures — all year long.

With care for every breath,

Erin Kuan
President & CEO 
BREATHE STRONG RAFFLE
Breathe Strong Raffle
The Countdown Is On — Early Bird Deadline is May 9th!
 

You already know the Breathe Strong Raffle is packed with incredible prizes — now’s the time to make sure you're in for the Early Bird Draws before it’s too late! 

Get your tickets by Friday, May 9th and you could win:

  • Morgan Wallen Concert tickets
  • OURA Smart Ring (personal health tracker)
  • Radon Tests
  • Ninja CREAMi Deluxe

And remember — every ticket still gives you a chance at these amazing grand prizes including dream vacations and VIP experiences. 

  • A breathtaking Golden Circle Tour of Iceland
  • A Toronto Blue Jays trip to Denver
  • A Keith Urban VIP Meet & Greet
  • A sleek E-Bike package
  • A Country Thunder Saskatchewan experience

Can you picture yourself in Iceland — exploring glaciers, waterfalls, volcanic craters, and hot springs… then heading out on a whale-watching tour from Reykjavik?

Every ticket supports education, advocacy, and vital lung health research in Saskatchewan. Don't miss out—get your tickets today for your chance to win big and make a difference!

Lottery License #LR24-0144
 
BUY TICKETS
INSPIRING STORIES
The Gift Of New Lungs
The Gift of New Lungs

Larry Labbe’s life changed instantly when he was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. As his breathing worsened, the simplest tasks became overwhelming.

"I knew my life had changed forever when I stood at the bottom of my staircase, staring up at 14 steps that suddenly felt like a mountain. I was told I would be sent home with an oxygen tank to help me breathe. That was hard and emotional."

In February 2024, Larry was listed for a lung transplant, but he had no idea when—or if—the call would come. In August 2024, that call arrived and Larry received a new set of lungs.

Today, Larry is breathing easier, and sharing his story to raise awareness about the incredible gift of organ donation.
READ LARRY'S STORY
INSPIRED BREATHING
Inspired Breathing Events

Inspired Breathing provides continuing education events for health care professionals that are responsive, innovative, and centred around partnership. We are proud to deliver interactive, in-person, and virtual events. Register early to secure your spot.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Inspired Breathing Webinar
One Airway – One Goal: Connecting the Dots Between Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma

Wednesday, May 21st at 12 pm (CST/SK)

We’re delighted to have Dr. Mariam Hanna join us to share her expertise about the important connection between allergic rhinitis and asthma.
REGISTER
Inspired Breathing Webinar
RSV and Pneumonia – What Have We Learned? A 2025 Update

Wednesday, May 28th at 12 pm (CST/SK)

Guest presenter Dr. Angel Chu from the University of Calgary will take us through what we have learned about RSV and pneumonia. She will talk about who is at risk, trends we are seeing, prevention strategies, and much more!
REGISTER
RESPTREC EDUCATION
RESTPREC Webinars

Join us as we bring together top experts, to discuss lung health topics, and empower health care professionals to deliver informed, patient-focused health care experiences to those living with lung disease.

The RESPTREC Webinar Series is proudly sponsored by AstraZeneca.

UPCOMING WEBINARS
RESPTREC
Achieving Excellence in Asthma Management

Wednesday, June 4th at 6:30 pm (CST/SK)

Guest presenter Dr. Olga Tourin will be talking about all things asthma! She will provide an update on the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guidelines, talk about Short-acting Beta-Agonist (SABA) overuse, will provide a practical approach to management of asthma in the community and much more!
REGISTER
PATIENT EDUCATION

The Lung Life webinar series is designed to empower those living with and caring for those with lung disease to live better.

Join key opinion leaders in their respective fields of expertise to learn how to enjoy a better Lung Life in the presence of lung disease.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Register for Lung Life Webinar
Let’s Talk COPD

Wednesday, June 11th at 12 pm (CST/SK)

Join Dr. Bhagaloo for a presentation on how you can be part of the conversation and decision-making when it comes to your own care or your loved one's COPD care.

Learn how COPD is diagnosed and treated, the signs and symptoms to watch out for, including those you may not recognize, the goals for optimal care and decision making, as well as the questions you may want to ask your health provider.
REGISTER
SUPPORT MEETINGS
Sleep Apnea Support meeting
Travelling with your CPAP Machine

Sleep Apnea Support Meeting
Wednesday, April 30th at 1:30 pm (CST/SK)

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a big adventure, travelling with a CPAP machine can bring up questions and concerns.

Join us for our next Sleep Apnea Support Meeting with Megan Pegg, RN, as she shares expert tips and practical advice to help you feel confident and prepared while travelling.
REGISTER
Asthma Support Meeting
Tips and Tools for Asthma Control

Asthma Support Meeting
Thursday, May 22nd at 12 pm (CST/SK)

Get out your asthma control toolbox! Join Jill, nurse and respiratory educator to learn what we mean by having well controlled asthma. Come away with practical tips and tools to help you live well with asthma.
REGISTER
Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Meeting
Home Oxygen Therapy in Saskatchewan

Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Meeting
Wednesday, May 28th at 1:30 pm (CST/SK)

This month we welcome Dale Phillips, Respiratory Therapist, and Jaimie Peters, Registered Nurse (Lung Sask) who will be guiding us through the essentials of Home Oxygen Therapy in Saskatchewan.

This session is a great opportunity to learn more about home oxygen, the purpose of it, and how to navigate the home oxygen programs in Saskatchewan.
REGISTER
PODCAST
Let's Talk Lungs, lung health podcast

Tune into our Let's Talk Lungs Podcast, as we explore ways to improve lung health, one breath at a time. Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, healthcare professional, or just wanting to learn about lung health, there is something for everyone!

Listen, learn, and breathe easier! Tune in today!

RECENTLY AIRED
Tune into the Let's Talk Lungs Podcast
Unleashing Discovery in Research

Let’s Talk Lungs Podcast – Episode Five is here!

Inspired Breathing hosts, Lori and Trent sit down with Dr. Baljit Singh, Vice President of Research at the University of Saskatchewan.

Learn the importance of investing in research, and how it contributes to health and wellness.

This episode is sponsored in part by the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation.
TUNE IN

More Let's Talk Lungs Episodes!

  • Ready! Set! Breathe – With Severe Asthma!
  • How is your Lung Life? Tips on how to protect and love your lungs
  • Demystifying ILD
  • RSV and You: How you can protect yourself from this common lung infection

UP NEXT

I Smell Smoke! How to Protect Yourself During Wildfire Season!

This podcast will air Wednesday, June 18th, 2025 at 12 pm (CST).

In this episode, Inspired Breathing, hosts Lori and Trent are joined by Lung Saskatchewan nurses and respiratory educators Jill and Jaimie to talk about wildfires. Listen in to find out who is most at risk when air quality is poor due to wildfires, and what to do to stay well both indoors and outdoors.
PICKLEBALL
First Annual Pickleball Tournament
Feisty Pickles Tournament a Smash Hit!
 

The energy was electric and the competition fierce at the inaugural Feisty Pickles Pickleball Tournament, held on Saturday, April 5th at the Saskatoon Kinsmen Henk Ruys Soccer Centre. With over 50 teams, a packed gym, and an unbeatable spirit of fun, this event was a success—on and off the court!

Players of all skill levels brought their A-game to raise almost $30,000 in support of Breathing Space, a first of its kind facility in Canada, providing a home away from home for lung transplant patients during their recovery. This tournament wasn’t just about pickleball. It was about making sure Saskatchewan residents don’t have to choose between financial stability and a second chance at life. 

We are grateful for the incredible generosity of our players and supporters, who rallied their networks, collected pledges, and showed what it means to play with purpose. Your efforts in raising funds through pledge collections are truly appreciated!

Pickleball Photo Gallery

Thank You to Our Sponsors

We also extend our sincere gratitude to our sponsors who helped support this event.

Selkirk Sport is proud to be sponsoring this pickleball tournament. Selkirk is happy to provide the official tournament ball - the SLK Hybrid+ Pickleball, the next generation of Pickleball technology.

NEWS
Mapping Tool
Lung Saskatchewan Awarded SHRF Grant to Develop New Web-based Radon Mapping Tool

We’re proud to announce that Lung Saskatchewan has received a Connections Mobilize Grant from Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF).

With this support, we’re developing a Saskatchewan Web-Based Radon Mapping Tool—a first of its kind resource that will show radon levels across the province, based on test data from over 550 unique locations.
LEARN MORE
Larry Drops Puck with North Battleford Mayor and Lung Sask CEO
Larry Labbe Drops the Puck for Green Shirt Day, Celebrating the Gift of Organ Donation

Ahead of Green Shirt Day on April 7th, double lung transplant recipient and Lung Saskatchewan Ambassador Larry Labbe dropped the puck at the Battlefords North Stars’ playoff game.

Thanks to a selfless donor, Larry received new lungs in August 2024. Grateful for this life-changing gift, he has since registered as an organ donor and continues to advocate for organ donation and lung health.
LEARN MORE
CARING BREATHS
Caring Breaths Financial Assistance Program
Caring Breaths Financial Assistance Program
 

The Caring Breaths Financial Assistance Program sponsored by Conexus Credit Union is a reimbursement program designed to complement other established financial assistance programs in the province of Saskatchewan.

Who can apply:

  • Lung transplant recipients and primary caregivers
  • People with lung disease and primary caregivers
  • People applying for partial radon mitigation reimbursement

Discover how this program could benefit you or someone you know.
 
LEARN MORE
COMMUNITIES OF SUPPORT

Our online communities are a platform for patients and caregivers to ask questions, share their stories, as well as provide encouragement and peer support to one another.

Coordinated by Certified Respiratory Health Professionals from Lung Saskatchewan, we provide timely information and resources to guide you through tough times.

Our active communities of support include: 

Find the power of community in our lung health support groups. Join us to connect with individuals who relate to your journey. Together, we can make a difference in each other's lives.
Lung Helpline

Our Lung Helpline is a free, confidential lung information service, managed by Certified Respiratory Educators. 

Educators are available to answer your questions about breathing and lung diseases Monday - Friday from 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM. 

Call 1-833-385-LUNG (5864).

2308 Arlington Avenue
Saskatoon, SK S7J 3L3
(306) 343-9511

info@lungsask.ca
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Lung Saskatchewan

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