Organ donation advocate to appear on Ellen

Hélène Campbell, 21, continues to recover from double-lung transplant in April 2012

CBC News

Posted: Feb 13, 2013 8:27 PM ET

Last Updated: Feb 14, 2013 4:31 PM ET

Helene Campbell of Ottawa underwent a double-lung transplant in Toronto last April. (Canadian Press)

A promise last May from American talk show host Ellen DeGeneres will be fulfilled as Canada's best known advocate for organ donation, Hélène Campbell, leaves tomorrow to appear on the talk show.

A spokeswoman confirmed to CBC News that Campbell, 21, leaves for Los Angeles on Thursday to attend The Ellen DeGeneres Show in person.

DeGeneres had promised to dance with Campbell, who underwent a double-lung transplant on April 6, 2012, in person when the two spoke via Skype more than a month after the transplant.

She underwent the organ transplant at the Toronto General Hospital six months after she was diagnosed with advanced idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Even before the transplant, Campbell became well known for her organ donation advocacy through social media. Celebrities including DeGeneres and Justin Bieber picked up her cause on Twitter.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper awarded Campbell with a Queen's Diamond Jubilee medal for her work.

Campbell continues to recover at her family home in Barrhaven, a community in south Ottawa.

It is not yet known when the interview will be aired.

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