This is a story of deep gratitude.

This is a story of deep gratitude. A story of a relationship with a donor’s family.

I am Jerry, and I received the gift of life with a double lung transplant at IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis on June 2, 2015.  

In 2008 during a routine examination, scarring was noted on my lungs. A follow-up exam with a pulmonologist confirmed that the scarring was idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.  

I was advised the disease contains a rather bleak prognosis, of death likely within five years of diagnosis.  Fortunately, the disease remained somewhat dormant for several years.  

In January 2014, I ended up hospitalized with pneumonia, which was precipitated by several increased bouts of shortness of breath.  I was then advised of the need for continuous oxygen, and the need to proceed with lung transplant inquiry.  

My pulmonologist referred me initially to Cleveland Clinic.  I was approved there in November 2014 and subsequently approved as well at IU Methodist in January 2015.

After having a dry run in March 2015, I received the gift of life on June 2, 2015, from my donor angel Tristan Hackman. 

I have been blessed with a renewed opportunity to live. I made contact with my donor’s family, including her son, mother, father, brother, sister, niece, and nephews. They have received me with open arms, and I too have reciprocated. We have met several times, and routinely stay in touch.  

This gift of life has allowed me to enjoy my family and friends, that strongly supported me during my 1 1/2 years of preparation and oxygen dependency. I have been able to spend quality time with my wife of 38 years (Tina), as well as enjoy the lives of my children and families. I have two children, and two grandchildren ages 6 and 2.

I am thankful for my gift of life and forever grateful to my donor Tristan Hackman. 

Support the Lung Transplant Foundation.

A lung transplant transforms lives affected by diseases such as cystic fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, and COPD. These diseases affect more than 15 million Americans and are the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. Rejection rates for lung transplant recipients are worse than for recipients of any other transplanted organ. We want to change that through funding research to stop all lung transplant rejection. We can’t do it alone. We invite you to make a donation to help people like Jerry.