Noreen and Rick Woodford were part of the group who wanted to give back during BC Transplant's Operation Popcorn that took place last week at the University Hospital of Northern B.C.
The project offers organ transplant recipients, living donors and donor family members the chance to thank hospital staff in intensive care units, emergency departments and operating rooms for their good work supporting organ donation throughout the province.
The Woodfords lost their son Matthew in a fire in Vancouver last year and he donated his lungs, both kidneys and his liver to transplant recipients. He was 34.
"That's how old I am right now," said Veronica Vandermeulen, holding her son Logan, 6, who is a heart recipient. Noreen and Veronica, two mothers on opposite sides of the spectrum of organ donation, shared a look of profound understanding before young Logan was introduced to the Woodfords.
"We were looking forward to meeting you," Noreen leaned over to speak with the energetic Logan. "It's so nice to see you."
Rounding out the group that would hand out popcorn treat bags to hospital staff was team captain Joyce Grantham, who received a heart transplant 20 years ago.
The group moved to the emergency department to present a big red beribboned box of popcorn treats to staff members.
"I think it's amazing - it's wonderful," Susy Marotta, registered nurse and clinical practice lead, said looking at Logan. "I love meeting this little guy."
Grantham has been in and out of the emergency department many times in her life and she said it's important to give back even in a small way.
"The hospital staff does so much to help everybody and we all end up spending a lot of time in ICU and in the emergency department and the OR staff does so much," Grantham said.
Noreen was able to offer a different perspective.
"For us, we know the staff sees the tragic part of the transplant process and this way they get to see the good news, too," Noreen said pointing to Logan, who is here today because of the heart he received as an infant. "He's the magic part of this and he's here as the result of all their hard work."
Operation Popcorn 2019 took place in 26 hospitals and more than 100 boxes were delivered by more than 100 volunteers who are recipients, living donors and donor families. The project is in its 28th year.
