Angèle Labelle may have passed away, but her soul continues to live on through an incredibly selfless gift.
Born on July 18, 1996, in Sudbury, Angèle was a bright light in the lives of everyone who knew her, especially in Greater Sudbury’s disabled community. She faced significant health challenges throughout her life.
Being deaf and blind and relying on a wheelchair for mobility, Angèle was a vibrant presence known for her resilience and joy. Her sister, Ashley, reflects, "Her strong spirit will always continue to live on and watch over us. Even better, her soul will continue to live through someone else, by her selflessness of being an organ donor."
Angèle passed away at 27 years old in May of 2024 at Health Sciences North, surrounded by her family and friends. With her passing, Angèle became the first donor in Northeastern Ontario to participate in the Heart in a Box program, exemplifying her enduring spirit of generosity.
The Heart in a Box is a portable device that maintains a donor heart in a beating, oxygenated state, similar to how it would function inside the body. The heart can remain in the box for up to 12 hours, compared to 3 – 4 hours with traditional ice storage, allowing it to be transported to save the life of a donor anywhere in North America.
“We are eternally grateful for Angele’s incredible gift of life,” said Dr. Bhanu Nalla, Chief of Critical Care at Health Sciences North. “Though Angèle’s incredible generosity, she was able to help save the life of someone in the United States. The expertise of our teams in critical care, surgical, diagnostic imaging, laboratory programs, was instrumental in allowing us to work with team from Toronto and the United States for a successful procedure.”
Angèle's mother, Monique, fondly remembers her daughter's enthusiasm for life's simple pleasures, "Angèle enjoyed going for van rides, she got excited for her baths and water play, loved many types of music, but her favourite was Shania Twain. She laughed from her belly when she made messes and loud noises, and she always enjoyed being part of our conversations. She was the life of any room she was in."
HSN recently received 2 awards for organ donation from the Trillium Gift of Life Network. The hospital dedicates the Hospital Achievement Award in Provincial Conversion and Hospital Achievement Award for Provincial Eligible Approach Rate in Angele’s memory.
Media Contact
Jason Turnbull
705-507-3677
jturnbull@hsnsudbury.ca