Campbell talks life after transplant

Video updated Organ donation advocate Helene Campbell has made her first public appearance since undergoing a double lung transplant last month.

The 21-year-old appeared in high spirits alongside her parents and team of doctors. she says she is eternally grateful to her donor — and her donor’s family — for giving her a second chance at life.

“Every time I take those meds I think of that family. I grieve their loss and I am so thankful to them for what they were able to do in such a difficult time for me, and give me that chance. And I will never forget how blessed I am to have received this gift. And will I stop advocating for organ donation, now that I’ve had my lungs? No, my voice is more melodic. I might write a song about it.”

She already has plans to make a commercial to further promote organ donation. Her previous efforts to raise awareness of organ donation caught the attention of both Justin Bieber and Ellen Degeneres.

Campbell’s appearance comes a day after Prime Minister Stephen Harper presented her with the Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Video: Kate Carnegie reports: