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Double-lung transplant gives Oakville man second wind by John Bkila Oakville Beaver Staff 5 | Friday, October 25, 2013 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Centre, 2400 Sixth Line. Generating more awareness "A lot of problems with PF is that people go one to three years before they realize they have it; many think they're just sick," Alexander-Carew said. "The average age for diagnosis is between 60-65, so some think `oh, I'm getting older, or I'm getting out of shape,' and they really miss the key time for treatment and dealing with the disease. By the time they get their first test or scan done, they've already lost 30-40 per cent of their lung capacity." A little more than a year after his doublelung transplant, Oakville's Robert Alexander-Carew says his life is getting back to normal. The 41-year-old was diagnosed, in June 2011, with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) -- a disease of unknown cause that creates inflammation and, eventually, scarring in the lungs. The condition makes it hard to breathe and, over time, the scarring becomes so thick, the lungs are unable to take in oxygen. "When you're breathing normally and healthily, it's like breathing through a sieve and after some time with pulmonary fibrosis (PF), it's like breathing through a very thick sponge," said Alexander-Carew. "It just makes it extremely difficult to pull oxygen from the air and into your blood." Last year, a friend of Alexander-Carew was shocked at the lack of information available on the disease. Together they put on a fundraising spinning event on stationary bikes to not only garner more awareness on PF but to also raise money to improve its diagnosis and treatment -- the second annual Rob's Ride for Pulmonary Fibrosis is set for today (Friday, Oct. 25) at River Oaks Community PF is more common amongst miners and farmers who breathe in fine dust and bacteria, but the condition also has a genetic component -- Alexander-Carew's father died of the disease in 1990 and his sister was recently diagnosed with it. "A genetic link is definitely showing up," he said. Typically, PF is a slow-moving disease and those diagnosed with it wait approximately five-seven years before getting on the organ transplant list. Unfortunately for Alexander-Carew, he see Organizers on p.8 The Electric Fireplace Shop 6 Hurontario St. Miss. 905-278-7337 · We Carry Inserts & Mantel Packages · Wall Mount & Recess · Custom Mantels Starting from $499.00 Double-lung transplant recipient Robert AlexanderCarew is putting on his second annual cycle for pulmonary fibrosis event today (Friday) at the River Oaks Community Centre in Oakville. | photo by Nikki Wesley ­ Oakville Beaver Over 60 models on display. Largest in GTA Visit our website theelectricfireplaceshop.com Hwy 10 lakeshore Rd. "I was thrilled to get better coverage for $400 less." ­ Woodstock Michelle R. Janis C. of At BrokerLink, we've helped thousands of people save on insurance while making sure they have all the coverage they need. Speak with one of our insurance advisors today about getting insurance that will actually cost you less. Stop by our office at 102-1320 Cornwall Road, Oakville. INSTALLATION * SALE OAKVILLE'S FINEST LIGHTING FAN SALE STORE (Speers Road east of Dorval) Oakville 243 Speers Rd. 905.849.LITE(5483) Burlington 1515 N. Service Road 905.331.7444 PLUS FREE LIGHT BULBS for life! Call, switch and save. 905.337.7968 CONCEPT LIGHTING Mississauga 5980 McLaughlin Rd. #3 near Britannia 905.712.4548 *SEE STORE FOR DETAILS BrokerLink.ca Annual savings from an actual customer who switched to BrokerLink. Your savings experience may differ. Services available in Ontario through Canada Brokerlink (Ontario) Inc. www.conceptlighting.ca TMBrokerLink & Design is a trademark of Canada Brokerlink Inc. used under license. © Copyright 2013 Canada Brokerlink Inc. All rights reserved.