The paradox of a life changed by a lung transpalnt

THE PARADOX OF LIFE CHANGED BY A LUNG TRANSPLANT

Tanya Bothma, lung transplant recipient and public speaker

Monday 27 January  1.00 pm  COURSE FEES R110; Staff and students R55

Professor Greg Calligaro, who was the respiratory physician during the double lung transplant on Tanya Bothma, will introduce her and provide a brief background to her lecture.

Tanya Bothma’s story is a profound testament to resilience, faith and the power of modern medicine. From a young age Tanya faced significant respiratory challenges that frequently landed her in hospital. Despite these obstacles, she embraced life’s joys, including marriage and motherhood. Her journey took a critical turn when her lung function dropped to a perilous 14%, marking the beginning of her most daunting battle yet.

In a ground-breaking procedure at a government hospital, Tanya became the first person in Africa to receive a double lung transplant. This life-saving surgery was made possible by the unwavering support of her family, the expertise of dedicated medical professionals and her unyielding faith in the Lord. Tanya’s experience underscores the incredible advancements in organ transplantation and the selfless gifts of organ donors.

Her lecture will not only recount the medical miracles she experienced, but also highlight the emotional and spiritual journey she undertook. Through her story, Tanya aims to inspire others to find hope in the face of adversity, to appreciate the small blessings in life and to recognise the profound impact of organ donation.

Tanya’s narrative is one of courage and gratitude, emphasising how faith, family and community support can overcome even the most formidable health challenges. Her lecture will leave you moved and motivated, offering a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the miracles that can happen when science, faith and compassion come together.

Health professionals can earn CPD points for this course.

TO BOOK: https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/performance.aspx?itemid=1554934276

Tanya Bothma is the first double lung transplant recipient in a state hospital in Africa. Her passion lies in gratitude towards Groote Schuur and raising awareness around organ/tissue donation as well as actively fund raising towards the lung transplant unit.www.newbreath.co.za

Ass. Prof. Greg Calligaro BSc (Hons), MB ChB, Dip PEC, FCP (SA), MMed, Cert Pulm (SA) completed undergraduate degrees in Medicine and Physiology at the University of the Witwatersrand, and qualified as a specialist physician at the University of Cape Town in 2009.

He completed sub-specialist training as a pulmonologist in 2012, and is currently a consultant in the Respiratory Clinic at Groote Schuur Hospital, and a research co-ordinator at the Lung Infection and Immunity Unit. He is working towards a PhD examining aspects of lung health in patients with HIV infection on antiretroviral treatment, as part of an NIH-funded study conducted at the UCT Lung Institute. His research interests include the infectious and non-infectious pulmonary complications of HIV. He is supported by a Discovery Academic Fellowship, an MRC Training Fellowship, and two Pulmonology Research Fellowships from the South African Thoracic Society.