University of Waterloo
University of Waterloo
10/31/2023 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/31/2023 13:43
Alum teams up with the Faculty of Health for Organ Donor Awareness Day
On Thursday October 26, the Faculty of Health celebrated Organ Donation Awareness day with a pop-up event that shared inspirational information for campus community members. The event was led by Alumni Council member and donor ambassador the Trillium Gift of Life Network, Eric Celentano (BSc '79), in partnership with the Anatomy department in the Faculty of Health.
Eric shared his personal journey as a double lung transplant recipient, and what it meant to receive the gift of life from generous organ donors. Eric and the School of Anatomy were also joined by members of the Respiratory Therapy team from Conestoga College to provide invaluable training for students, health professionals and members of the community interested in becoming advocates for life-saving organs.
Eric's story
During an x-ray for tendonitis, Eric Celentano (BSc '79) was diagnosed with an incurable rare fibrosis that was progressively hardening his lungs like cement, and would eventually kill him. The only way to save his life was to undergo the major operation of a double-lung transplant. In 2018, Eric was given this chance, thanks to an organ donor and their family, and created long-lasting friendships along the way.