It’s hard to believe Jen celebrated six months post-transplant in July!  She returned to Durham for a two-day clinic visit at Duke where she saw her surgeon Dr. Haney, and her pulmonologist Dr. Reynolds. All tests were trending positive and no rejection detected on her new lungs! She’ll return to Durham for another check in three months, continue her cardiopulmonary rehab in Indy, and receive monthly IVIG infusions to keep moving forward in recovery.  As Jen continues her recovery journey, let’s remember her donor hero who made this journey possible.

In the meantime, Jen has been enjoying summer in Indy by spending time with family and friends.  She even cheered on the Indiana Fever at the IU game day with the women Hoosiers.  What a thrill to meet some of her favorite players!

Jen’s surprising news is the addition of her new dog “Duke” – he’s a one-year-old yorkie-poodle bundle of energy sure to keep Jen and her lungs active!  Not surprisingly, Duke came to Jen through good friends with lots of love, and they have become fast buddies. “Go Duke” takes on a whole new meaning in Hoosier-land thanks to this little cutie.

If you’re wondering about her beloved kitties Lily and Wally – they are being loved on by her dear friend Ro, and Jen visits and receives updates often.  Lung transplant patients are cautioned to avoid kitty litter exposure, especially early after transplant.  When Jen relocated to Durham, she made the difficult decision to rehome them knowing this would give them stability and protect her health. 

Jen says each day she is feeling stronger – it’s definitely a marathon and not a sprint.  She thanks everyone for their ongoing encouragement and support.  COTA funds raised in honor of the Jen Warrior campaign continue to make a difference for transplant-related expenses – THANK YOU!

And as Jen famously says… ONWARD!