When Dennis Fortin discovered that his one good lung was infected with a possibly deadly fungal disease, he knew that he would once again need a life-saving miracle at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH).

Dennis received a single-lung transplant at VGH in 2004. Then in 2014, he was diagnosed with cryptococcus gattii, a fungal disease that was filling his one good lung.

Luckily, Dennis was seen by Dr. Alissa Wright, BC’s first expert in the treatment of infectious diseases among transplant and immunocompromised patients – a position made possible thanks to VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation donors and to generous support from BC Transplant.

As the director of the Transplant Infectious Disease Program at VGH, Dr. Wright monitors, evaluates and treats transplant and immunocompromised patients, and is establishing a team of experts who can provide this highly specialized care.

“Dennis’ case highlights the importance of having a group of individuals with the specific training that I do,” says Wright. “This ensures that the entire population of transplant patients and patients with compromised immune systems in BC have access to expertise in this field.”

After four months in hospital, and countless treatments and adjustments to his medication, Dennis made a full recovery. Today, he is back home on Salt Spring Island with his wife of 21 years, walking in the mornings with his regular group of friends, and keeping in touch with his children and grandchildren.

“The care I received at VGH was exceptional,” says Dennis. “Dr. Wright and her team were absolutely amazing throughout the process. Because of them, I have my life back.”

To support infectious disease care at VGH and help more patients like Dennis, please donate.