3 Celebrating Allied Health Professionals
SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2024
Elenore Haywood Award recipient, Kaylene Normand. SUPPLIED PHOTO
Elenore Haywood celebrated for her contributions to lung health A PIONEER IN RESPIRATORY THERAPY
E lenore Haywood, affectionately known as Elly, began her journey in respiratory therapy in 1974, during a time of remarkable transformation in the medical field. After graduating from a two-year diploma program at Winnipeg General Hospital, which later became the Health Sciences Centre, she embarked on a career that would shape the landscape of respiratory care in Manitoba. Elenore’s path to respiratory therapy was as much personal as it was professional. Having struggled with asthma since her youth, she knew firsthand the challenges of living with respiratory difficulties. This personal con- nection fueled her desire to help others and sparked a passion for lung health that would define her career. “I was always interested in physics and bi- ology,” Elenore recalls, “and respiratory ther- apy allowed me to blend my fascination with technology and my desire to help people in a meaningful way.” Throughout her career, Elenore worked closely with the Manitoba Lung Association. Whether it was volunteering with students at spirometry testing events or supporting smoking cessation initiatives, Elenore has al- ways felt a deep bond with the association. “The Manitoba Lung Association has been supportive of me from the very beginning,” she shares. “When I graduated in 1974, I re- ceived an award for my academic achieve- ments, and the association featured me in one of their publications. That kind of encourage- ment stays with you throughout your career.”
In 2024, the Manitoba Lung Association honored Elenore by naming an award after her, recognizing her contributions to respira- tory therapy. Receiving the award was a deep- ly meaningful moment for Elenore, who had witnessed firsthand how far the profession had come since the 1970s. “This award means so much because it re- flects not just academic achievements but the practical, hands-on skills that are crucial in our field,” Elenore explains. “It’s a recognition of the hard work and dedication that goes into caring for patients.” Elenore hopes the award inspires future re- spiratory therapists to take pride in their pro- fession. She emphasizes that while technolo- gy plays a vital role, the heart of respiratory therapy lies in patient care. “You can do a lot with just a stethoscope and your hands,” she says. “The machines are important, but we can’t forget there’s a per- son on the other end of that machine. I want future therapists to focus on the patient, to al- ways have empathy, and to never stop learn- ing.” As for those considering a career in respira- tory therapy, Elenore offers practical advice. “This isn’t a self-serving profession,” she notes. “You have to want to serve others, to make a difference in their lives. It takes empa- thy, dedication, and a commitment to lifelong learning. The things you learn today may not be relevant in a few years, so you need to be open to change and always willing to improve your skills.” For Elenore, respiratory therapy has been
Elenore Haywood Award recipient, Jimmy Szutu. SUPPLIED PHOTO
more than a career – it has been a way to give back, to help people breathe easier, and to make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of her community. Her lega- cy, now immortalized through the Manitoba Lung Association’s Elenore Haywood Award, will continue to inspire and encourage future generations of respiratory therapists for years to come. Help honour Elenore Haywood’s remarkable impact on respiratory therapy by contrib- uting to the Elenore Haywood Award. Your donation will empower aspiring respiratory therapists to pursue their passion for helping others breathe easier.
Visit mb.lung.ca today to make your donation!
Powered by FlippingBook