Nine years ago, I was blessed with the gift of life when i received a double lung transplant! These are nine years that I would not have had and during which I’ve experienced the beauty of life in ways that I’ve always appreciated but now view through a different lense. I’ve been able to travel, celebrate family births and marriages, and grieve by the side of family and friends for the loss of special people. I’ve made wonderful friends and rekindled older friendships along the way. I am thankful every day for one more day. 

A year after my transplant, I had the honor of meeting the beautiful family of my angel donor (mother pictured above) who died tragically after an accident.  Brittany, who was 26, left behind a 4 year-old daughter and a family who adored her for the bright shining light that she was to all who knew her. This family has become my family now as our families share a special bond created by the precious cargo in my body that I’ve been blessed and entrusted with.  

Now the reason for my fundraiser.  I became involved with the Lung Transplant Foundation initially because they have a Mentorship program, and I have a passion for supporting others who are on the transplant journey.  But I fell in love with this organization because of its mission to not only support patients and their families but also to advance awareness and research to improve long-term outcomes for recipients. Sadly, lung transplant recipients do not fare as well as those of other organs due to chronic rejection. 

Please help me advance the mission of the Lung Transplant Foundation by donating to my 9th Lungaversary.  Together you and I can help improve the lives of lung transplant patients and their families today and in the future! #lungaversary