Hélène Campbell is the young woman behind what is now known as the Hélène Effect: making things happen through the power of her magnetic personality, her unbridled enthusiasm, her limitless optimism, her passion and iron will.
I am a very grateful and feisty double lung transplant recipient and a well-known advocate for organ donation.
Having always loved connecting with people, my journey through disease, surgery and recovery launched me into the spotlight as I harnessed the power of social media and imprinted myself into the hearts and minds of Canadians and people all over the world. My continued advocacy for the cause of organ and tissue donation triggered an unprecedented rise in registration to donor lists in Canada and the USA.
Hélène has caught the attention of leaders and celebrities across Canada and abroad, and she is continuing to be recognized for her courage, strength and incredible spirit. Her passion for the cause dear to her – organ and tissue donation – and the ideals and principles she lives by – be grateful, live passionately and seek out those with tenacity – have made her a sought after speaker.
Her recent speaking engagements include: Algonquin College Spring Convocation 2014 (where she received an honorary diploma), CHEO’s Home Runs 4 Autism 2014, We Day Ottawa 2013, the 2013 Breath! Gala, 2013 Ontario Hospital Association Organ & Tissue Donation Conference, E-Health 2013 Conference, 2013 National Health Leadership Conference, 2013 Canada Day Noon Show, and the 2013 Ontario Hospital Foundation Feature Breakfast .
The general consensus is clear: Hélène’s passion is contagious and no one is immune to her energy and strength. To listen to Hélène makes you feel like taking on the world. The feedback from her recent speaking events is unanimously positive:
“Inspiring, very inspirational – thank you!”
“Absolutely incredible! Amazing!”
“Amazing how youth can inspire us – like Terry Fox.”
“We need to identify all the Hélène Campbells in Canada and the World.”
“Wonderful, not just her story, but the idea of using media to pursue a cause.”
“Stories, especially personal, are so powerful!!”
Helene’s impact has been recognized and celebrated. She is the recipient of the Trillium Gift of Life Network Champion Award (November 2012), Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (May 2012), The Order of Ottawa (November 2012), Communicator of the Year Award (May 2013).