John Willey’s Transplant Journey

Becoming a Lead Mentor for the Lung Transplant Foundation Mentorship Program

John Willey is a double lung transplant recipient who received his transplant at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, in 2018. About a year after his transplant, John became a mentor with the the Lung Transplant Foundation Mentorship Program. Since then, he has remained an active and dedicated member of our program, while also giving his time and support to programs within the Johns Hopkins lung transplant community.

John understands firsthand the challenges that come with the lung transplant journey. His compassion, personal experience, and willingness to help others have made him an important source of support for patients and families who are navigating some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Because of his continued dedication and commitment to the lung transplant community, we were honored to welcome John as our new Lead Mentor for Johns Hopkins this past August.

Our program is incredibly thankful for everything John has given—and continues to give—to others. His story is a powerful example of how life after transplant can become an opportunity to give hope, guidance, and support to those who are still walking the journey. We believe hearing John’s transplant journey and learning about his experience as a mentor could help others feel less alone and remind them that there is life, purpose, and hope beyond transplant.

Diagnosis, Listing, and “The Call”

In June 2017, I was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). On January 2, 2018, I was hospitalized due to the progressive deterioration of my lung function. While in the hospital, I completed all of the necessary testing required for a lung transplant. Then, on January 9, I received the news that I had been “listed.”

Just nine days later, I received “The Call.” On January 19, 2018, I received my double lung transplant.

Recovery and Finding Purpose in Mentorship

The recovery process seemed slow at times, but looking back, it was truly amazing. Day by day, week by week, and then month by month, I regained my strength. One of my fondest memories from that time was watching the oxygen tanks being carried out the front door instead of coming in!

One year after my transplant, I was asked by the Lung Transplant Foundation if I would consider becoming a Mentor for transplant patients. I agreed, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life.

Being a Mentor is incredibly fulfilling. It gives me the opportunity to give back while helping others navigate their own transplant journey. Over the years, I have had the privilege of mentoring many pre-transplant patients and supporting them through the challenges and uncertainties that come with waiting for a transplant.

In July of this year, I was asked to become a Lead Mentor, and I gladly accepted. The Mentorship Program offered through the Lung Transplant Foundation is a valuable resource for anyone going through the transplant journey. Being able to share my experiences, offer encouragement, and simply be there for someone who understands what they are facing is something I truly value.

Grateful for Family, Donors, and Care Teams

The past 8½ years have given me the opportunity to spend more time with my wife and adult children. Even more special, I have been blessed to watch four of my granddaughters grow into beautiful, loving young ladies.

None of this would have been possible without my donor. Their gift gave me something I will never take for granted—the gift of more time. I also would not be telling this story without the outstanding medical team at Johns Hopkins who cared for me throughout this journey.

I am a very lucky and blessed guy, and I am incredibly grateful for every day I have been given.