Held by Faith, Carried by Grace: Simone’s Journey of Resilience

My name is Simone Whitehead. I am 54 years old and currently live in Miami, Florida, though my roots and heart will always be in the Bahamas where I was born and raised. I am a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister, and someone who has always valued family, joy, and faith.

My journey with lung disease began about five years before my transplant. Over time, my condition progressed, and it was eventually determined that I would need a lung transplant. I was in the process of waiting to be listed, holding onto faith while navigating the uncertainty of what lay ahead.

In July 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, my condition suddenly became critical. I was hospitalized and told I could not safely return home, as I would not survive without high-flow oxygen. While my diagnosis was listed as Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD), the exact cause remained unknown. That uncertainty was difficult, but my family and I held tightly to faith.

On August 10, 2020, I received a lung transplant at Shands Hospital in Gainesville. It was a time when the world felt uncertain and families were often separated, but even in that moment, grace carried me through.

I am deeply grateful for my husband, who held down the fort with our children with unwavering love and strength. My parents came to Gainesville and stayed with me during the early days of recovery, providing comfort when I needed it most. My sisters, extended family, and friends surrounded me with prayers and encouragement. I am also forever thankful for the transplant team—the surgeons, doctors, nurses, and staff—who gave me a second chance at life.

Life after transplant is a journey. It requires daily medications, constant monitoring, and ongoing care. It is not always easy, but I will always choose this life—this breath—this second chance. Gratitude has become my guide through both the challenges and the victories.

During my journey, I found the Lung Transplant Foundation, and it has been a true blessing. Through the foundation, I was connected with a mentor—someone who understood what I was experiencing and gave me a safe space to talk, reflect, and be seen. That support reminded me that I was not alone.

Today, I am honored to offer that same support to others. To listen, to encourage, and to walk alongside someone else on their journey is a gift I do not take lightly.

My story is one of faith, resilience, family, and community. And now, it is also one of purpose.

To anyone reading this who may be waiting, uncertain, or afraid—please know that hope is real. Support is real. And life after transplant, while different, can still be full of joy, meaning, and new beginnings 

Every breath I take is a reminder that I was given another chance to live with purpose, faith, and gratitude.

Find Support on Your Journey

No one should have to walk the path of lung transplantation alone. Whether you are waiting for a transplant or navigating life post-surgery, our Mentors are here to offer a safe space to reflect and be seen.