Michael Applin: One Patient's Story
Michael Applin was diagnosed 10 years ago with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, which is a chronic disease causing inflammation and scarring of the tissues of the lungs. Pulmonary fibrosis can be a mild or severe disease and, in Michael's case, the final course of treatment was a double-lung transplant. After a seven-month wait, the complex transplant procedure was successfully performed, however, he passed away from complications on February 6th, 2009.
In the month following his surgery, Michael was cared for by a specially qualified critical care team including nurses and respiratory therapists of the Medical Surgical Intensive Care Unit at Toronto General Hospital. Their expertise and compassion had a profound impact on Michael and his family as they faced the uncertain moments following his surgery.
"We were struck by the efficiency and expertise of the nursing team and their ability to be completely focused on their highly technical jobs, while being attentive and caring. In the extremely complex environment of the ICU, they were sensitive to Michael's personal needs and always treating him with respect and dignity." – Anne-Marie Applin
This experience served as both an inspiration and education for the Applin Family as they came to appreciate the leadership role of the nurses who cared for Michael during the last months of his life.
Michael's family and friends decided to honour Michael's legacy by championing nursing and created the Michael R. Applin Nursing Award. The award supports nurses through scholarships and fellowships, allowing them to pursue continuing education and professional development opportunities.
