Myles Lynch’s parents didn’t know the life that was awaiting their son until a month after he was born. Born on September 13th, 1997, the doctors at CHEO discovered his condition a month later, diagnosing him with cystic fibrosis.  For the rest of his life, Myles fought with all his might to stay alive, to remain positive in the face of adversity, and to leave a legacy for others.

A mother’s love knows no bounds and so his mother, Linda Lynch, took several years off work to care for Myles. When she eventually returned, she transferred Myles to the school she worked at as a gym teacher so she could keep a close eye on him.

Linda always encouraged Myles to exercise. His lungs could only reach 30% capacity at their fullest, but she encouraged him to join sports teams, and Myles was eager to participate. His experiences with team sports instilled a sense of accomplishment and belonging in Myles, even though he was spending months in and out of hospitals.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder which produces thick mucus in the lungs and digestive system. There is no known cure, but the condition can be managed with medications and a high-calorie diet.

While the median predicted survival age for individuals with cystic fibrosis is roughly 65 years of age, Myles had an especially challenging experience having a double lung transplant at 17 due to deterioration and then two more double lung transplants due to chronic rejection.

The surgery for the third transplant was especially grueling, and for four days after the operation Myles remained in a coma, Linda not knowing whether her son was alive or dead. It was a moment of great relief when the doctors woke him up. Myles sat up in his bed, then stood up, then walked out of the ICU to be with his family again.

His family and the doctors who cared for him did everything they could to help Myles live a great life, but eventually his lungs gave up. Myles passed away on December 31, 2021. He was 24 years old.

Myles’s wish was to pass away at home and with Cornwall Hospice’s support he was able to do so surrounded by friends and family. Linda and the rest of Myles’s family were grateful for the support they received. “We understand the importance of people wanting to pass away at home,” says Angela Labelle, Hospice Manager. “Many people think of Hospice as a building, but our services extend into the community as well.”

The Healing Journey Begins

The pain of losing a child is unimaginable and there is no right way to heal. For Linda a big part of her healing journey included volunteering at Hospice where she started volunteering with patients in their final stages of life.  “Volunteering was a way to open the gate,” says Linda. She says she felt trapped and alone in her grief at times but by “opening the gate” to others through her volunteer work she was able to channel her energy towards building community and being of service.

Linda also participates every year in Carefor Hospice Cornwall’s annual fundraising event, Hike for Hospice. She values physical exercise, but she also emphasizes the spiritual aspect of walking together with others for a good cause as a way of moving forward. She says, “You need to get out there, face others, and just keep going.”

Learn more about Myles Lynch:

To join Linda and others at this year’s Hike for Hospice, for a day celebrating those we love, register at https://carefor.ca/event/hike-for-hospice/