#KimStrong: Jackie’s story
A climb in tribute to my late husband Kim Hall, father of my sons Charlie and Oliver.
It was only last year that we lost Kim.
In late 2017, Kim fell ill with an aggressive auto-immune condition. By Christmas his immune system was attacking his lungs, and doctors agreed his best option was a transplant. In New Year’s 2018, Kim miraculously received a double lung transplant, and we all hoped he was on the road to recovery.
We named our team after a note my husband Kim wrote when he came out of the transplant surgery.
On the scrap of paper he had scribbled “Be strong”. That’s why we called our team #KimStrong.
This year will be our team’s third time taking part. The first year we climbed was just after Kim had his double lung transplant.
The day of Climb last year, which was our second year, was just one day before we lost him. Unfortunately, as can happen, other health issues arose following Kim’s transplant, which kept him in hospital for over a year. He fought a brave battle and his doctors did everything they could.
It was only last year that we lost Kim.
In late 2017, Kim fell ill with an aggressive auto-immune condition. By Christmas his immune system was attacking his lungs, and doctors agreed his best option was a transplant. In New Year’s 2018, Kim miraculously received a double lung transplant, and we all hoped he was on the road to recovery.
We named our team after a note my husband Kim wrote when he came out of the transplant surgery.
On the scrap of paper he had scribbled “Be strong”. That’s why we called our team #KimStrong.
This year will be our team’s third time taking part. The first year we climbed was just after Kim had his double lung transplant.
The day of Climb last year, which was our second year, was just one day before we lost him. Unfortunately, as can happen, other health issues arose following Kim’s transplant, which kept him in hospital for over a year. He fought a brave battle and his doctors did everything they could.
There are things you don’t consider until someone you love falls seriously ill.
All the time off from work and simple costs like daily hospital parking and television fees add up. But we had such great support – from both the healthcare community and from our extended family and friends. They stayed beside all the way. Many flew in from Eastern Canada just to spend time with Kim, and with us. Those closer to home gave their time to free me up so I could spend longer with my husband. Even my colleagues at the City of Richmond stepped up in a big way. I couldn’t believe it and feel so blessed.
We remain ever thankful for all the support and care Kim – and my sons and I – received.
Taking part in Climb the Wall again this year helps us stay strong. It’s our chance to give back and do Kim’s memory proud. There’s isn’t a day that goes by that my sons – Charlie and Oliver – and I don’t miss him! But he’s with us in spirit. He’ll be there with us on February 23rd, when, together with many of our close friends and family, we sweat it up all 48 storeys in tribute to his memory!
To support Jackie and team #KimStrong click HERE to make a donation.
All the time off from work and simple costs like daily hospital parking and television fees add up. But we had such great support – from both the healthcare community and from our extended family and friends. They stayed beside all the way. Many flew in from Eastern Canada just to spend time with Kim, and with us. Those closer to home gave their time to free me up so I could spend longer with my husband. Even my colleagues at the City of Richmond stepped up in a big way. I couldn’t believe it and feel so blessed.
We remain ever thankful for all the support and care Kim – and my sons and I – received.
Taking part in Climb the Wall again this year helps us stay strong. It’s our chance to give back and do Kim’s memory proud. There’s isn’t a day that goes by that my sons – Charlie and Oliver – and I don’t miss him! But he’s with us in spirit. He’ll be there with us on February 23rd, when, together with many of our close friends and family, we sweat it up all 48 storeys in tribute to his memory!
To support Jackie and team #KimStrong click HERE to make a donation.
