Nova ScotiaThere’s an outpouring of grief after a young transplant advocate from Nova Scotia died on Saturday. Tahlia Ali, 20, had serious complications after a double lung transplant two months ago in Toronto.Tahlia Ali, 20, had serious complications after a double lung transplant 2 months ago in TorontoCBC News · Posted: Sep 01, 2025 11:57 AM EDT | Last Updated: 4 hours agoTahlia Ali had her first double lung transplant in 2020. She was able to come home and graduate high school at Auburn Drive High before she became sick again. (Submitted by Lisa Ali)There’s an outpouring of grief after a young transplant advocate from Nova Scotia died on Saturday.Tahlia Ali, 20, had serious complications after a double lung transplant two months ago in Toronto and remained in intensive care throughout the summer.”[We are] taking much comfort in knowing that people were really touched by her, and that she did make a difference,” her grandmother, Judy Robichaud, said in an email to CBC News.Ali, who was from Cole Harbour, N.S., was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension when she was seven years old. The only treatment was a double lung transplant.She had her first one in Toronto when she was 16. But she was forced to return to Toronto when she became sick again in 2024, and at the end of June she received her second lung donation.Tahlia Ali was able to join a cheer squad after her first double lung transplant. She raved about the experience, and was proud to be strong enough to participate. (Halifax Cheer Elite/Facebook)Throughout that time, she spoke out about the importance of organ donation. She wanted people to know it wasn’t just seniors who were organ recipients, but young people as well.Ali also pushed for the Nova Scotia government to increase its financial aid for families who are forced to leave their homes in order to access health care.In the case of lung transplant patients, they must live in Toronto while they wait for an organ donation match to be found. Ali’s family said they were financially devastated by the process, as community members held fundraisers to support them.Despite her health challenges, Tahlia was thrilled to graduate with her class at Auburn Drive High School, and one of her big passions was being a part of a cheer squad.’Bright presence will always be remembered,’ says cheerleading groupOn Facebook, Halifax Cheer Elite wrote that she was a beloved alumnus.”Tahlia’s spirit, determination and bright presence will always be remembered, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her,” the organization wrote in the post.”Tahlia’s courage and strength throughout her battle were an inspiration to us all.”In a message to family and friends, Robichaud continued the family’s message abut the importance of donations.”To both the first and second lung donor families, even though Tahlia’s journey has come to an end, please know your loved one’s legacy will live on in our hearts and we are forever grateful,” she wrote.MORE TOP STORIES
N.S. organ transplant advocate remembered for her spirit and determination
