Emily's Story

Dear patients and family members,

Welcome to the Lung and Heart-Lung Transplant Program at Nationwide Children's Hospital. I know that this is a stressful time for you, but I can assure you that the incredibly knowledgeable and supportive staff here at Children’s will make your transplant experience as easy as possible. I speak from experience – I was the program’s first lung transplant.

I was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF) when I was 11 years old, but it wasn’t until July of 2005, at the age of 23 that I received my transplant. I was given two new lungs. It’s been almost six months and things are going great. The doctors, nurses, and pharmacists who worked with me at Children’s are to be commended for their excellent work and dedication. It feels great to be able to live life to the fullest and enjoy daily activities without worrying about what my body can handle.

The team you will be working with is focused on one goal – a successful transplant that will leave you happy, healthy and productive. After surgery, you’ll begin rehabilitation to help speed up your healing. It will be hard at times, but trust me it’s worth the work. The team is always ready to answer any questions you have, no matter how ‘trivial’ they may seem, and they provide a great support system for you and your family before, during, and after the transplant.

I’m looking forward to many more years with my new lungs and the Children’s team by my side. I hope you will find your time with the transplant team just as rewarding as I have.

Good luck!
Emily
Nationwide Children’s first lung transplant patient