Home for Christmas: Joe’s story
Two years ago, there was nothing more Joe Russo enjoyed than walking the leafy streets of Camberwell with his wife Anna.
They’d tackle the hills, take in the greenery of the parks, and simply head wherever the mood took them.
But all that changed when he was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis.
“My lungs were slowly deteriorating,” said Joe, 64. “I just couldn’t use my body in the way I used to. I was going downhill, quickly.”
In February this year, specialists told Joe his condition had worsened to the point he would need a lung transplant.
“After I was put on the waiting list, I was just doing that - waiting.”
“I felt so anxious, waiting for the phone to ring. You just don’t know what’s going to happen.”
When the call came one a Friday afternoon in October, Joe burst into tears.
“I was just so overwhelmed.”
Joe spent the next three weeks recovering at The Alfred from the successful surgery, but due to COVID, he was unable to have visitors, instead relying on phone calls with his wife and family, and a couple of hobbies to help him along.
“I spent most of my time on my iPad playing solitaire and sudoku,” said Joe. “I even read an Agatha Christie novel!”
“The staff were really kind - they did a really good job of keeping me company.”
Joe’s eventual return home coincided with another special arrival, the birth of his first grandchild Jasper.
“I couldn’t wait to meet him. It was just terrific to get home.”
“I’m really grateful to be home now before Christmas, recovered, when a few months ago we didn’t really know what to expect.”
Between keeping busy at The Alfred’s rehabilitation gym three times a week, and looking forward to celebrating Christmas at the family home, Joe has his eyes firmly set on one special goal.
“I want to get back to our walks - the parks, the streets, the hills.”
“I’m just looking forward to walking with my wife again.”
Joe's story is the second part of our 'Home for Christmas' series. For part one, read Lizzy's story.
