‘Without The Alfred I would not be alive today’

Originally from Narre Warren, Sue contracted pneumonia before being transferred to The Alfred, where she met Head of Lung Transplantation, Professor Greg Snell. 

“He gave us some pretty bad news at the time – that I didn’t have very long to live and that they would start doing tests to see if I was suitable for a lung transplant,” Sue said.  

Thankfully, she was. 

“And that was the beginning of our relationship with The Alfred hospital. They’re brilliant,” Sue said. “Just all the people involved have been absolutely brilliant with us. They’re our family. 

“Waking up, I could breathe for the first time in two years without oxygen. That was amazing, absolutely amazing.” 

Following the transplant was three months of physiotherapy. Sue and her husband John now live in Queensland, with ongoing check-ups and care provided locally. 

Sue was appreciative of the team effort across The Alfred that helped her get to where she is today. 

“Without these people and their skills, compassion and general love of their jobs and patients, many of us would not be around to spend extra time with our loved ones,” she said.  

“Let’s face it, if The Alfred wasn’t here, I wouldn’t be here at all. There’s so much life and the people, like the staff, they love what they do and they really care about us, which I think is pretty amazing.” 

We are celebrating Sue’s story as part of Lung Health Awareness Month. About 45 Australians are lost to lung disease and lung cancer every day. Anyone can be affected, no matter what age or background. It is never too late to start looking after your lungs. Take the time to check your lung health. 

Pictured above from left: Sue Trewella, John Newell, Sue Newell, Louise Fuller and Professor Greg Snell.