Voices of Lung Transplant Community Storytelling Project

In honor of National Donate Life Month, the Lung Transplant Foundation gathered testimonials from lung transplant recipients, their caregivers, and loved ones about the life-saving impact of lung transplant. These stories were collected through the Lung Transplant Foundation’s very first “Voices of Lung Transplant” Community Storytelling Project. From February 14 (National Donor Day) through March 15, we collected stories of hope, “second chances” at life, renewed faith, and testimonials of gratitude to not only the selfless donors who allow lung transplant to be a possibility, but the individuals working behind the scenes to make it happen. We asked for responses to three unique prompts:

“Because of my transplant…”
“When I think about my donor…”
“What I want transplant and organ procurement professionals to know about my life now is…”

Throughout April, we shared these stories across social media, on our Facebook and Instagram pages, and were moved by the impact they had on our community. Below we have included a selection of the many beautiful submissions we received. Please note, submissions may have been edited for length and clarity.

We are also thrilled to share our first multimedia community story telling project below, which highlights not only the words, but the voices and photos of lung transplant recipients who opened up to us in support of this effort.

Voices of Lung Transplant

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“I get to watch my baby boy grow up!”

“I get to see all the beautiful things he’s going to do in this life! I get to experience life with my beautiful little family! I am so thankful everyday that my donors family made the selfless gift to me and mine!”

—Jennifer, 37

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“I continue creating memories, celebrating milestones, and sharing everyday moments!

My double lung transplant has been one of the greatest blessings in my life, not only for me but for my entire family. Before my transplant, breathing had become something I struggled with every day. Simple activities that most people take for granted were difficult, and my health challenges affected not only me but also the people who loved and cared for me.

Receiving a double lung transplant gave me a second chance at life. It restored something as basic yet precious as the ability to breathe more freely. Every breath I take now reminds me of the incredible gift I received, and the selfless decision made by my donor, Ali, and her family. Their generosity gave me the opportunity to continue living, loving, and fulfilling my purpose.

For my family, my transplant has meant more time together. It has allowed us to continue creating memories, celebrating milestones, and sharing everyday moments that we once feared might be lost. That includes witnessing my daughter graduate from Lamar University and watching my son cross the stage to receive his high school diploma. Witnessing these milestones after going through such a difficult journey strengthened our bond and deepened our appreciation for one another. It also increased our faith and reminded us how powerful prayer, love, and support can be during challenging times.

My transplant has also given me a greater sense of purpose. I am a Volunteer Hope Ambassador for the Southwest Transplant Alliance (STA) and a mentor for those waiting on their life-saving gift. Sharing my story allows me to raise awareness about organ donation and encourage others to consider becoming donors. If my journey can help someone else receive the same life-saving opportunity that I did, then my experience has an even greater meaning.

What once felt like one of the hardest seasons of my life has become a testimony of hope. My lung transplant has truly been a blessing that gave me life again and gave my family the priceless gift of more time together.”

—Lashon, 49

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“I have been able to live a life I always dreamed of…

I have completed 5k’s, which I never did before. I have been able to play and interact with my kids, who previously had to take a back seat to my health restraints. I have also been able to go back to work, volunteer my time for Legacy of Hope / Donate Life Alabama as an Ambassador. One of the biggest things I have been able to eliminate in my life is not requiring an oxygen machine to be able to breathe. My quality of life is so good that I sometimes forget I have had a double lung transplant. I am very grateful for my donor, my transplant team, my very supportive family and friends and Jesus Christ!”
—Kevin, 48

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“Today I found myself thinking about my donor again.
It’s a strange and powerful feeling to know that the breath in my lungs today was made possible by someone I never met.

When I think about my donor, I feel a deep sense of gratitude and humility. Someone’s life, someone’s story, became part of mine. It reminds me that every breath I take now is a gift—one that I never want to take for granted.

Sometimes I wonder about the person they were. What they loved, what made them laugh, the people who loved them. I carry a quiet respect for them and for their family, who made a decision in a moment of unimaginable loss that gave someone like me another chance at life.

Because of them, I wake up each day with new lungs, new breath, and a new perspective. The little things feel bigger now—walking, laughing, spending time with my family, simply breathing deeply.

When I think about my donor, I want to live in a way that honors this gift. I want to appreciate the ordinary moments and be grateful for the days I’ve been given.

Their gift didn’t just change my life—it gave me life again.

And for that, I will always be thankful.”

—Robert, 59

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“My life now is a daily miracle…

What I want the individuals who work in organ procurement (recovery specialties, family care coordinators, etc.) to know about my life now is it is a “daily miracle.”

I have taken on the role of mentor with the Lung Transplant Program. Walking alongside those new to transplant and offering support is both a privilege and surreal experience.

Throughout my recovery, I have faced both physical and mental challenges, but I have also discovered the immense grace of truly living again. Today, I think less about oxygen levels and more about living life to its fullest. My thoughts are deeper, my gratitude profound.

Transitioning from the pre-transplant journey to post-transplant life is a major shift—one that calls for a pause, a breath, yet demands intention to move forward. What I have learned is that courage and fear can coexist, you can be scared and still be brave. Initially, post-transplant. I felt pressure to find some grand purpose. What I have learned is that purpose can be found in just being present: showing up, comforting a child, helping one person. Instead of clinging to my old self, I’ve asked the harder question: Who am I now? And that took courage.

Living this miracle is a continuous journey. Daily, I pause silently and allow my breath to remind me I have been chosen to receive the gift of being here.”

—Judy, 64

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“What I want individuals who work in organ procurement to know about my life now…”

is that the work you do, and the care you provide, has allowed us to live life- part 2. We have a reboot. A fresh start. A chance to live better, stronger, with more zest and appreciation. When you face death and are given new breath, life is different in so many ways. Physically. Emotionally. Spiritually. You are part of an amazing gift- a thread that has woven a new tapestry of life for my family.” —Angela, 57

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“To celebrate my first “Lungaversary,” we went  to Africa…”

Those who work in organ procurement need to know how important the gift of new lungs is to me, my family, and so many others.

After a month long hospital stay in April of 2023, the  diagnosis was end stage lung disease ( Interstitial Lung Disease). Transplant was the only hope for survival.  A couple of months later, I went to Duke for my 5 day evaluation.  One of the surgeons said that I was old, frail, and 20 pounds overweight, and not a candidate for transplant at that time. That really fired me up to prove him wrong!  My age is fixed, but I could certainly lose 20 pounds and and work on my fitness. The surgeon told me that I had “moxie” and he liked that!  I was told  to come back in October for retesting. In the following three months, I went to rehab twice weekly and added a personal trainer for a third day.  My Fitness Pal helped to regulate my calories, and I was able to lose the 20 pounds. Also, I walked the dog with my husband as often as possible. I was accepted into the program, and we moved to Durham on October 12th.

I was successfully transplanted on January 26, 2024, and eventually discharged after rehab on March 4. I spent the following year continuing rehab on my own. I walked as much as possible, and returned to my trainer. I eventually was able to return to my exercise classes and  many former activities. To celebrate my first “Lungaversary,” we went  to Africa. We saw herds of elephants in Kenya, a lion family with six cubs in Tanzania, and silverback gorillas in Rwanda. My best accomplishment was being able to hike for over an hour up a mountain and through the jungle to see the gorillas. We took two additional trips in 2025, and look forward to more in the coming years. I am now able to watch my grandchildren grow up, and I’m so grateful to be able to enjoy that opportunity for as long as I can!” —Sally

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From all of us at the Lung Transplant Foundation, we want to thank the many individuals who contributed to this project. Your willingness to share your story offers hope and inspiration to this community. We are grateful for your participation!

If you are interested in sharing your story with the Lung Transplant Foundation, participating in future storytelling campaigns, or volunteering your time and experience in support of our programming, please contact us.