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Michelle LaPlace hasn't added a story.
Do you know Michelle, like I know Michelle? I first met Michelle almost 8 years ago when we were taking a course together. We became fast friends as we shared a love of family, food and life. Her positive and caring spirit along with her amazing sense of humor have always inspired me. She has made a career as an incredibly talented Stylist and has shared her passion with a great many colleagues and students over the past 23 years.
Just over a year ago, upon returning home from a business trip to California, Michelle started experiencing minor symptoms of not feeling well and knew that something was off. There is no way any of us could have predicted what would follow. It turned out that Michelle was in Congestive Heart Failure and was taken by Air Ambulance out of Williams Lake so that further diagnostic tests could be performed. Her husband Jamie was working out in the middle of the Chilcoltin and it was uncertain if we would be able to contact him. By the efforts of an amazing friend, he was reached and given the shocking news that his wife was in Cardiac Failure. The results of these early test had her referred to much more specialized Doctors in Vancouver at St. Paul's Hospital. She was admitted to hospital to undergo more specialized and invasive tests and underwent surgery to implant a Cardiac Defibrillator. Immediately prior to discharge Michelle was informed that she would need to have a Heart Transplant and that she would need to be on a regimen of extensive medications and dietary restrictions to stabilize her heart while we waited for transplant. This was shocking news to say the least. Michelle had been tested from an early age on a regular basis because a heart condition ran in her family. Her older brother died of a sudden cardiac event at age 15 in 1982 and her Father in January of 1990. No cardiac symptoms presented in Michelle and by age 32 she figured that she didn't have the genetic defect, and like so many others, found herself without a Family Physician so did not undergo further cardiac testing for over a decade.
Michelle has not been able to work since May of 2016 and has had to travel to Vancouver from Williams Lake several times over the last year to see the team of Transplant Doctors. With becoming a single income household, she is anxious as to how to pay for the upcoming expenses that will be incurred for Transplant, a burden she does not want to leave to her Husband, Jamie, to figure out.
Recently Michelle and Jamie were evacuated from their home due to the wildfires surrounding their hometown here in BC. They spent 3 weeks away from home and it was while they were evacuated that Michelle got the news that she is now "active" on the Transplant list. This means that BC Transplant is actively looking for a Donor Heart match for her and that they could get the call at anytime.
Michelle will have to remain in Vancouver post-surgery in order to be monitored for symptoms of rejection and infection. She will not be able to be on her own in the weeks and months immediately following surgery and it is anticipated that she will have to remain in Vancouver for up to 12 months to participate in the rehabilitation process.
I have always known Michelle to be kind and thoughtful and usually is happiest helping others or feeding people. She has a joyful and generous spirit and is beloved by many but especially friends and family. Will you help Michelle and Jamie and alleviate the pressure of this monumental journey they are about to go through? Even the smallest donation will help. Please donate today and help this very special person not have to worry and be focused on her recovery.
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