By Twyla Harris Naciri, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
Pulmonary fibrosis has taken from my life on several occasions. We have a long history with the disease in our family. On my dad’s side of the family we have had three who have fought this horrible disease. And on my mom’s side of the family, we have also been attacked by pulmonary fibrosis.
My Grandpa Clarence, aka Pops, spent years fighting this disease. Pops was a special guy; he had a jolly chuckle that came from his belly and a crooked smile that made you see that twinkle in his eyes. He spoiled his grandchildren and made sure to have fun with us all. He loved being a farmer and taking care of the land where I grew up. Pops and my Dad farmed the land together and raised cattle. When Pops was diagnosed, it took a lot of his pleasures away, but did not take his sparkle for life. We lost Pops on my 19th birthday in 2004, while he waited for his gift of life to arrive.
Less than 20 years later my Auntie Karen was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. Auntie Karen was the rebel Auntie for all of her nieces. She was the one to take me to get my ears pierced and purchased me my first bit of make up. She had a great laugh and loved to be the involved with the family. She loved her grandchildren fiercely and would do anything for them. Sadly we lost Auntie in 2014, while she waited for a lung transplant.
In 2016, my Uncle Ralph was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. Uncle Ralph is well known in his home community and most know him by the name Skippy. He is active in his community and coached his kids and some nieces and nephews in their sports growing up. He is an avid hunter and trapper. Even while on oxygen he was out hunting and helping scout for family. Uncle could be seen with his “jet pack” (oxygen tank in a backpack.) In 2020, Uncle received his gift of life and has been working hard to raise awareness and the need for organ donation. He is an active volunteer with Lung Saskatchewan and supports those he meets who are dealing with lung disease.
My cousin Miles has spent the last few years fighting his pulmonary fibrosis diagnosis. Everyone who knows Miles says he is the life of the party. He has a personality that draws you in. He loves to have a good chat and laugh. He enjoys his time sledding, sitting around the fire with friends and family, and tinkering around fixing things. Miles is continuing his fight and will not give up and let the disease win.
It is for these people and so many more that I am walking and raising money. Click here to make a donation in honour of Twyla’s family.
Twyla also wanted to share that her family started “Shoot for the Vitals,” which is a two-day archery shoot held in June every year. “We hold this event to raise funds to help those going through organ and tissue donation in Saskatchewan,” she says. “We have been doing this since 2014 when Auntie Karen passed. People can follow us on Facebook and Instagram.”
Editor’s Note: Twyla Harris Naciri took part in the CPFF Walk for PF in Saskatoon on September 14, 2024. She has raised more than $660.