As Mark Dolter spends his 219th consecutive day in the Peter Lougheed Centre’s intensive care unit, the 51-year-old is sharing his story in the hopes that more people will sign the organ donor form on their health care cards.
Dolter has been diagnosed with Congenital Pulmonary Lymphangiectasia (CPL), a rare genetic disorder that makes breathing difficult. Only one in every 45 million adults is affected by the condition.
The 51-year-old requires around the clock oxygen and a mechanical ventilator through the night.
“Mark’s main symptoms are increased amount of mucus production and increased shortness of breath,” explains respirologist Dr. Doug Helmersen. “Because of the fluid accumulation, it results in low oxygen levels.”
“Mark's been required to be in hospital now for over six months because he requires more oxygen than can be delivered at home.”
Dolter continues to await lung matches and knows his chances improve if the pool of potential donors increases.
“Sign your donor card,” said Dolter. ‘When you sign your donor card talk to your family about it so they don’t overturn your wishes.”
“One donor can make so much difference to eight people.”
To start the process of becoming a potential organ donor, visit Alberta Organ and Tissue Donation Registry.
Family members of Mark Dolter have created a GoFundMe account to raise funds to help cover his post-transplant living expenses.
With files from CTV's Shaun Frenette
