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In 2008 I was planning a vacation, which included a number of scuba dives, and my retirement plans for a few years from then. A routine annual physical changed all that. Ideopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, lung disease with no known cause, was the diagnosis. The disease is fatal with an average life expectancy of 5 years.This certainly made me refocus my priorities and those were my wife and Family. Give up and let the disease flourish and take over my life or fight to live every day possible. My wife encouraged me daily and without her support I would have thrown in the towel years ago. Prior to transplant I was able to dress myself but that was about all. Receiving the call that I had been approved for the transplant programme and the call that there were lungs potentially available for me were two of the most important calls I have received in my life. I would be able to spend more time with my wife and kids. What an unbelievable feeling!

Thanks to my Donor's most precious gift I am alive today!

In 2012, after a very thorough assessment I was accepted into the Lung Transplant programme. My wife and I had to relocate far from home and family to wait for a transplant. My lung capacity decreased continually and required higher levels of oxygen therapy. Gradually I required assistance to shower, dress and feed myself. I was on oxygen 24/7. My wife spent every minute of the day looking after me during this time. She is my Angel. After over 8 months we received a phone call verifying potential lungs for me. Many thoughts crossed my mind. Excitement that I might get lungs and resume close to a normal life again. Anxiety as I knew that some folks had lost a loved Family member. My thoughts went out to them during a very difficult time. I successfully received two lungs and I am able to resume many normal activities, care for myself and see my Family experience life. I thank my Donor daily and promise to care for and cherish their lungs. Register here today. It only takes 2 minutes.