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In This Issue:
Joe Fontana’s road to recovery after a double lung transplant has not been easy. “You have good days and you have bad days,” said the 57-year-old. “But like a friend once told me, ‘You have to look forward to tomorrow, because tomorrow is a new day and with that comes new strength and determination.’”
Fontana’s message of hope was loud and clear in Carrie Hall, where the BWH Lung Transplant Program support group meets every month. Thanks to new webcasting capabilities, his message also reached patients who are too sick to attend the group, and those who live too far away. Now, they are able to tune in right from their home computers.
“This type of illness can be very isolating,” said Stacy Salomon, LICSW, Lung Transplant Program social worker and organizer of the group. “This webcasting option is broadening our reach to make sure our patients receive valuable information and support regarding their care.” Salomon worked with Erlyn Ordinario, project manager for Educational Technologies, and AudioVisual staff, to get the webcasting program underway this past year. The monthly group averages about 25 to 35 attendees in person and about 25 more online who can ask questions via email and provide comments.
Patients discuss topics related to lung transplantation, including nutrition, exercise, and medication management. During a panel discussion last week, Fontana and fellow lung transplant recipients Jessica Gibson, 29, and Bob Gonfrade, 72, spoke about their experiences before and after transplantation.
“Be your own advocate and ask questions,” said Gonfrade, who received a transplant 15 years ago. Gibson, whose lung transplant occurred in December 2011, said “It’s hard to stay positive while waiting for a transplant, but it’s important that you keep eating, even though medications can make you lose your appetite, and that you keep moving and walking as much as you can. Hang in there; the call you’re waiting for could happen at any time.”
Join BWH in recognizing the clinical skill, dedication and commitment of its social workers who go above and beyond every day to support patients, their families and their interdisciplinary colleagues.