Lung recipient shares gratitude for donor families

Double-lung recipient Mary Goodwin shared her story as the keynote speaker at our Donation Celebration event last weekend on July 20 in Spokane, Wash.

See news coverage of the event from KXLY in Spokane.

“Many people say how amazing and what a miracle I am, and as much as I appreciate that sentiment, it is truly my donor family who is amazing,” said Mary. “They gave up everything for me. I choose to honor my donor and their family by taking every precaution to maintain my health to the best of my availability. I am breathing proof in the power of donation.”

Mary’s journey to lung transplant began with a pesky cough that wouldn’t go away. It was later discovered that she had pulmonary fibrosis, a disease that can make the lungs hard and inflexible, which affects your breathing, and can only be “cured” with a lung transplant. Mary, who led an active life, took this information in stride, continuing to raise her two small children, until the disease progressed to a point where she was tethered to an oxygen tank around the clock.

When Mary received her transplant, about three years following her diagnosis, her family noticed immediately that her color had changed. It was a positive sign that she was already on her way to recovery.

In honor of her donor and her gift, Mary and her family walk in the Bloomsday Race each year in Spokane. It also remains a symbol of self care that she doesn’t take for granted.

Mary will celebrate the 13th anniversary of her life-saving transplant this September.

Please join us at our upcoming Donation Celebrations! They are in Bellevue, Wash., on Aug. 4; in Billings, Mont., on Sept. 14; in Missoula, Mont., on Sept. 15; and in Anchorage, Alaska, Oct. 6. You’ll hear stories of hope from grateful transplant recipients at each of these events.