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Housing - a real lifesaver
George understands
more than most what a real lifesaver stable, clean housing
can be. He credits Edmonton’s Inner City
Housing as a key player in turning his life around.
In 1994,
following years of alcohol, drug and tobacco abuse, he was
diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
He spent years quite literally fighting for breath. In 2002
he was accepted into the lung transplant program and offered
a life saving second chance.
George’s program started
in 2002 by attending therapy twice a week where the “Breathe
Easy” program taught
him about nutrition, exercise and how to maximize the amount
of oxygen flowing into his lungs. In mid 2003 he received a
lung transplant and with his healthier lifestyle is doing well.
Having
a decent, affordable place to live has significantly contributed
to his improved health. Not only is the apartment
a healthier, cleaner environment; but he has the resources
to buy more nutritional food.
George sees his experience as
one that young people can learn from. He gives workshops to
junior high students on the realities
of a high risk lifestyle. “The kids seem to get something
from the workshops. I want to talk to them about staying healthy,
about making choices”.
A clean home and the right support
network made the difference for George, without it he would
still be fighting for every
breath.
(*Note: While the story is real, the name has
been changed)
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