CELEBRATE
Photo credit: Flytographer
the Gift of Life
Kiarra
WINTER 2025 | VOLUME 48 Kiarra's Journey: New Lungs, New Life!
1
Message from the Chairman
2
Message from the CEO
2
Message from the SVP, Fund Development
3
Message from the Director of Family Relations
3
Kiarra's Transplant Journey Continued
4
David Foster Awarded Key to the Consulate
6
Board Spotlight: Lorenzo Oss-Cech
7
The DFF Scholarship Program
7
A New Partnership with the Air Canada Foundation
8
DFF Volunteers: Rick and Lois Gosling
9
Donor Spotlight: Mr. Richard J Stephenson & Dr. Stacie J Stephenson
10
Thank You to All Our Partners
11
Become an Organ Donor
12
212 HENRY ST., VICTORIA, BC V9A 3H9 OFFICE: 250.475.1223 FAX: 250.475.1193 TOLL FREE: 1.877.777.7675 DAVIDFOSTERFOUNDATION.COM
and he
r paren ts, Christi
ne and RJ.
Kiarra's Journey: New Lungs, New Life! My daughter, Kiarra Kae Leobano, was born on June 20, 2023. At just four months old, she received a double lung transplant—a gift that gave her a second chance at life.
Kiarra TRANSPLANT NEEDED: LUNGS HOME: TORONTO, ON
From the moment she was born, our journey was filled with unexpected challenges. Just minutes after holding Kiarra for the first time, doctors noticed something unusual about her breathing. She was admitted to the NICU, and despite hours of monitoring, her oxygen levels remained low. The doctors at the hospital where I gave birth made the decision to transfer her to SickKids Hospital for specialized care. That was the moment I knew something was seriously wrong. We had no warning as nothing from my ultrasounds had suggested any issues. At SickKids, the medical team ran extensive tests, but they couldn’t determine the cause of her breathing difficulties. On July 4, 2023, they decided to conduct DNA testing for Interstitial Lung Disease. Just 13 days later, we received the devastating diagnosis: Kiarra had ABCA3-related Interstitial Lung Disease in both lungs. I had already begun researching the disease, and what I found was terrifying, many children with this condition have a life expectancy of just 3-5 years. Our doctors told us there was no cure, no medication, and only one option: a double lung transplant. As heartbreaking as it was, we knew we had to move forward. We wanted our daughter to have a chance at a longer, happier life. CONTINUES ON PAGE 4