Duke Transplant Friends

I had a bilateral lung transplant on 3/11/01 at Duke Medical Center. Wow, it’s so hard to believe that I made it through all these obstacles which I couldn’t have done with out the love, support, prayers and encouragement of my family and all my wonderful friends. First, I want to thank my donor family. I have never been able to make contact with them but wherever they are-thank you from the bottom of my heart for donating your mom’s lungs to me. My donor was 63 years old at the time of her death and clearly, she took care of her lungs!

I want to thank Kurt, my mom and my sister for their endless support because without them-I honestly don’t know how I could of coped with all of the challenges. Kurt was truly amazing every step of the way and whenever I wasn’t sure I could face another challenge, he was right there fighting for me until I had the strength to fight for myself.
My mom flew down to Durham, NC at least 7 times after my transplant to help me out and was always there by phone whenever I needed her. My sister Beth flew down to NC several times post transplant and was in constant contact via the phone which meant the world to me. Kurt also trained me for the 2004 transplant Olympic Games in MN and I ended up with a bronze medal for the 25K in cycling. Thanks Puppet!! Thank you everyone for your prayers, written communication on the caring bridge website and so many thoughtful ways of encouraging me along the way.

I want to especially thank Dick and Norma White who so graciously opened their home to Kurt and I for the 8 months we lived in Hillsborough and the countless times since the transplant that they have opened their home to us, for outpatient and inpatient visits. Norma and Dick along with their daughter, Karen were angels sent from God-thank you!!!

Today my lung function is still in the high 90’s which is a far cry from the 25% that it was going into the transplant. I feel great and am thankful for every day that God allows me to stay alive. Thank you Dr. Palmer and to the whole team at Duke-you’re the best! I am pleased to say that I am going on 8 years post transplant and I feel amazing. I am working full-time as a Director of Case Management in a Long-term acute care hospital in MA. I am about to do a 30 mile ride to raise money for the CF Foundation here in Boston, MA. Exercise and a positive, proactive attitude are key to one’s success. I wish each you the best on your journey! It’s a gift-every step of the way!