An Ottawa woman whose organ donation campaign captured celebrity attention started moving and communicating again Saturday, two days after receiving new lungs.
With the help of an alphabetic board, Helene Campbell "is spelling words to communicate when awake," her Twitter account announced to nearly 12,000 followers.
"She was doing some leg exercises while in bed this afternoon!," it read.
The social network was abuzz with well-wishers over the weekend, many of whom have rooted for Ms. Campbell over the past few months as she strove to raise awareness of organ donation.
American talk show host Ellen DeGeneres, who interviewed Ms. Campbell on the air via Skype in February, sent her regards hours after the surgery.
Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty tweeted his support Saturday, even as the 20-year-old began to stir. "Best wishes – we're all rooting for you!" he wrote.
Ms. Campbell was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis last September and turned her private battle into a very public campaign.
Ms. DeGeneres, pop star Justin Bieber and several other stars backed her efforts.
She was admitted to Toronto General Hospital when her health faltered last week and underwent a double lung transplant Friday.
Her family has pleaded for privacy during the recovery.