Donor Remembrance Day

Be inspired:  Sue's Journey to Double Lung Transplantation at UNC Medical Center: A Story of Hope and Healing
Donor Remembrance Day.

February 2017:
Tethered to oxygen Sue was fighting for every breath. She was healthy just six months prior, we had had dinner together, and all was fine. Somehow, shortly after our visit she had gotten sick and now she was confined to a hospital room to stay alive. By the time she was properly diagnosed with a mycobacterium infection she was in need of a double lung transplant. She was turned down for transplant by different transplant hospitals due to mycobacterium Abscessus and MAC(mycobacterium avium complex). It was time for another visit with my dear friend of over 40 years before it was too late. This time, our visiting took place in her hospital room. Now Sue tired easily, she had to take breaks just to concentrate on breathing, she was still the same old strong willed Sue though. She was going to beat this. She got up everyday, she dressed, she ate, she visited with longtime friends & family, she remained as physically strong as her body allowed. As her organs started to feel the stress of her illness, and her days were becoming limited, she was listed for transplant. 

February 18, 2017- Sue received her new set of lungs, an unnamed hero saved her life through the gift of transplant.

Fast forward to 2023: Today, Sue is doing well and living life to the fullest. She is forever grateful for the care and support she received at UNC Medical Center, and for the selflessness of her donor the unnamed hero and their family. Sue's journey to double lung transplantation was a difficult one, but it was also a story of hope, resilience, and healing.