Ted Harris from Duncan is back on his feet after a double lung transplant, cherishing life, walking his dog, and giving back to the community.
From Crisis to Comeback: A Life Saved
Duncan resident Ted Harris got a life-altering wake-up call in September 2024 when he underwent a double lung transplant. The journey to this moment began just a month earlier, when he traveled to Vancouver for final testing that lasted 14 days. Miraculously, within two weeks, a perfect donor match was found.
“This was very miraculous for me; otherwise, I wouldn’t be here today,” Harris reflected. “I’m so grateful to my donor and their family. A transplant saves lives, but it also comes from someone’s loss, which makes it bittersweet.”
The Unexpected Diagnosis
Harris’s health struggles began unexpectedly in 2015 during a routine shoulder X-ray, which revealed severe lung scarring. Specialists at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) traced the damage back to his work in utilities construction, where he was exposed to silica dust, asbestos, chlorine gas, and even live sewage.
He soon learned he would require a double lung transplant—a daunting reality for someone who had always been healthy. “Back then, this surgery wasn’t as common as it is today,” Harris said. “I wasn’t fully aware of the risks or survival rates. It’s a huge deal.”
Expert Care Makes All the Difference
Harris’s surgeon, Dr. John Yee, brought decades of experience to the operating room, having performed over 1,000 double lung transplants. Harris credits not just Dr. Yee but the entire 12th-floor team at VGH for their phenomenal care.
“Dr. Yee is my hero,” he said. “For eight years, I walked a tightrope on just 30% lung function. By June 2024, I needed oxygen 24/7. My home oxygen setup couldn’t keep up—it was a 50-foot hose I had to drag around.”
Walking Again, With a Best Friend
A true highlight of Harris’s recovery has been reconnecting with his dog, Astro. He adopted Astro at the start of the COVID pandemic but couldn’t walk him until last December, after regaining his strength.
“Now I take him out every day,” Harris beamed. “It’s my dream come true.”
Giving Back After a Second Chance
Harris is now a registered organ donor and actively supports the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation. He participates in the VGH+ Millionaire Lottery, which has raised nearly $100 million since 1996 to fund hospital research, equipment, and specialized care.
He also organized a golf tournament fundraiser this past summer, raising $14,000—exceeding his $10,000 goal—while connecting with other transplant recipients. “Saying thank you isn’t always enough after a life-saving operation,” Harris said.
A New Outlook on Life
After three months in the hospital post-surgery, Harris reflects on his recovery with gratitude. “Looking at the four drain tubes and the 60 staples across my chest, I thought, ‘I can’t do this.’ The mental challenge is huge. Nothing is guaranteed in life,” he said.
His advice is simple yet profound: have compassion for those struggling, and never forget to enjoy life. “Life is short,” Harris said. “Cherish every moment.”
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