‘If I was a horse, they would have shot me by now’
The Province | Elaine OConnor
Mike Fulton became a source of inspiration when, in 2005 already blind and diabetic, he became the first HIV-positive transplant recipient
VANCOUVER, BC: NOVEMBER 02, 2012 -- Dr. David Landsberg is the head of nephrology at St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver, BC, where he is pictured Friday, November 2, 2012. (Photo by Jason Payne/ PNG) (For story by Elaine O'Connor) IMAGE FOR USE WITH ST. PAUL'S PROJECT FOR THE PROVINCE. NO OTHER USE PERMITTED. Photograph by: Jason Payne , Province
The first thing you should know about groundbreaking kidney transplant patient Mike Fulton is that he is positive.
The Vancouver resident made Canadian history when he became the country’s very first HIV-positive transplant patient in 2005. His kidney transplant surgery, performed at St. Paul’s hospital, has since paved the way for other positive patients, saving lives in the process.
But it’s not that kind of positive that defines Fulton.
Rather his optimism, good humour and cheerfulness are what mark him as exceptional. That positive outlook is a deliberate decision to enjoy life despite a series of devastating health crises.
“If I was a horse, they would have shot me by now,†he joked in characteristic fashion, as his guide dog Cody dozed at his feet on the hospital floor.
The 45-year-old was diagnosed first with diabetes in the mid-1980s, then with HIV in 1990. In 1998, he suffered simultaneous retinal hemorrhages in both his eyes, and although they tried, St. Paul’s surgeons couldn’t save his sight. By 31, he was blind.
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{Register to be an organ,eye and tissue donor. To learn how, www.donatelife.net or www.organdonor.gov}
Mike Fulton became a source of inspiration when, in 2005 already blind and diabetic, he became the first HIV-positive transplant recipient
VANCOUVER, BC: NOVEMBER 02, 2012 -- Dr. David Landsberg is the head of nephrology at St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver, BC, where he is pictured Friday, November 2, 2012. (Photo by Jason Payne/ PNG) (For story by Elaine O'Connor) IMAGE FOR USE WITH ST. PAUL'S PROJECT FOR THE PROVINCE. NO OTHER USE PERMITTED. Photograph by: Jason Payne , Province
The first thing you should know about groundbreaking kidney transplant patient Mike Fulton is that he is positive.
The Vancouver resident made Canadian history when he became the country’s very first HIV-positive transplant patient in 2005. His kidney transplant surgery, performed at St. Paul’s hospital, has since paved the way for other positive patients, saving lives in the process.
But it’s not that kind of positive that defines Fulton.
Rather his optimism, good humour and cheerfulness are what mark him as exceptional. That positive outlook is a deliberate decision to enjoy life despite a series of devastating health crises.
“If I was a horse, they would have shot me by now,†he joked in characteristic fashion, as his guide dog Cody dozed at his feet on the hospital floor.
The 45-year-old was diagnosed first with diabetes in the mid-1980s, then with HIV in 1990. In 1998, he suffered simultaneous retinal hemorrhages in both his eyes, and although they tried, St. Paul’s surgeons couldn’t save his sight. By 31, he was blind.
Read more
{Register to be an organ,eye and tissue donor. To learn how, www.donatelife.net or www.organdonor.gov}
Location:E 3rd St,Long Beach,United States
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