Jen just returned from a recent trip to Durham for her 9-month post-transplant checkup, joined by her mom Debbie from Florida. Her lungs are holding steady and healing is progressing as expected—no rejection detected! She continues weekly outpatient lung rehab sessions in Indy to gain strength and monthly IVIG infusions to help reduce her risk of rejection. Remember Jen’s kidneys? Her compromised kidney function has raised some concerns recently. She is fortunate that her medical team is constantly monitoring and adjusting her medications, balancing optimal benefit against risks for her kidneys.  This will be an ongoing issue we are confident can be managed. These little nuggets sure could use your well wishes.

Jen and her mom know that it’s important to “stop and smell the roses”, so they enjoyed a visit to the beautiful Sarah Duke Gardens while in Durham. As a bonus, they met another Duke 3rd lung transplant/CF patient, Tricia! Two strong women rocking transplant recovery.

Upon returning to Indy, Jen picked up her cello to play in the opening weekend of the musical “Hello Dolly.” This was her first musical performance since the transplant—hello cello! As the song goes, “It’s so nice to have (Jen) back where (she) belongs!” Jen is grateful to get back to the activities that bring her joy. A fitting tribute to her donor hero.

Jen can’t thank everyone enough for the enduring encouragement and support during the last 9 months. Keep it coming! And thanks for the COTA funds raised in honor of the Jen Warrior campaign that continue to make a difference for transplant-related expenses.  Onward!