Zabby Michael Amaral

Zabby is survived by his brother, Nelson (Cheryl), and his nephews, Ronin and Locke, and a series of cousins, aunts and uncles throughout North America and the Azores.

He was born in Galt, Cambridge, Ontario in April of 1967 and was the first born of his parents, who had recently immigrated to Canada. Unbeknownst to his parents at the time he was born with Cystic Fibrosis, a condition that would plague him throughout his life. Originally, it was thought that he would not to survive his early pre-teen years. By way of his resilient and optimistic nature he managed to live well beyond these initial expectations.

His adolescence was dotted with regular health issues resulting in hospital stays, which were exacerbated and extended by way of the effects of Cystic Fibrosis. This affected him greatly. Socially he always remained positive and upbeat, despite the adversity.

He experienced his first double lung transplant in April of 1990, only days after his 23rd birthday. This gave him a renewed sense of purpose and a new lease on life. He enjoyed a number of carefree years with minimal issues. Then approximately 4 years later, he needed a second double lung transplant. His family was informed that he would likely not survive a second double lung transplant. The belief was that he would not receive another lease on life. Miraculously, he received the second double lung transplant, and not only did he survive, he thrived.

He was out of surgery in approximately half the time allotted and only spent one day in recovery. Within a few days he was released from hospital. He spent the next couple decades enjoying his new life to the extent that he could. He spent some days in hospital from time to time, but his resolve was unwavering.

Soon his kidneys began to fail, and eventually they finally did. He spent the next five years attending regular dialysis appointments. Suffering with regular medical appointments, while having obvious and crippling fatigue, an issue associated with kidney failure. His resolve again never wavered. During this time he planned a trip to Jamaica, complete with dialysis care being arranged in advance, which was no easy feat. He managed to attend dialysis appointments while on the island and with the help of some new friends he made while vacationing.

He trusted his life to people previously unknown to him and with whom he only communicated by email and telephone, which was his nature. He had an innate ability to bring out the best in people. His warm disposition and natural friendliness made it such that people wanted to help him and could not help but like him. He was disarming in his naivety. He wanted to see the best in people, and that is what he often received. People often opine that you get out what you put in to this life, and he gave it his all.

Soon after, he received word that he would be the recipient of a kidney transplant, and to make it even better he would also receive a pancreas transplant. Again once the operation was complete, he thrived. He was released from hospital only after a few days and began, once again, to enjoy his life free of tubes and of being tethered to a dialysis machine. He made the most of his time.

Only after a few short years he had his first bout with what would eventually claim his life, cancer. It was first discovered by chance while he was suffering with an unrelated abdominal issue. By chance the attending physician thought to run one more test before his release. The test found lymphoma. His prior luck of easily healing from complex and invasive medical procedures began to run out. Eluding lymphoma proved to take a toll on his constitution; yet, he eventually prevailed.

He lived another three plus years cancer free. Finally, the cancer returned, and did so with a vengeance. In the end, he faced his mortality with the same courage and good nature that he faced every medical issue. His dark sense of humour was maintained and persevered. He finally succumbed to his illness, but in doing so lived to survive an additional 36 years longer than he would have were it not for his initial double lung transplant, and his unwavering spirit. For that we are grateful.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Zabby’s Life will be held at Barthel Funeral Home, 566 Queenston Road, Cambridge on Sunday, March 8 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.