It’s November and Jen is nearing ten months “après-transplant”.  Things are progressing as expected, which gives us a chance to reflect on a few milestones:

• In late October, Jen celebrated the eleven-year anniversary of her second lung transplant.  Jen’s donor hero gave her an amazing ten “bonus years” which ultimately served as the bridge to transplant number three. She marked the occasion by gathering with “transplant” friends for dinner—eight lung transplants between five amazing people.  Brothers and sisters for life thanks to transplant!  Organ donation saves lives… please be sure you know the facts about organ and tissue donation, how to register your decision to be a donor, and inform your family:  https://indianadonornetwork.org/

• After testing out her cello chops last month at Footlite Musicals, Jen made her triumphant return to the Carmel Symphony Orchestra for the annual Veteran’s Day concert. She looks forward to many more performances in the orchestra pit at the beautiful Palladium. 

• Jen had an early birthday surprise courtesy of Coach Teri Moren and the Hoosier Women’s Basketball Team! Birthday serenade, tour of the locker room, watching practice, and cruising around campus in a tricked-out golf cart made for an awesome day in Bloomington.  Jen loved seeing the team’s motto— “You get what you earn, not what you want.” Words to live by indeed. Never Daunted! Do the Work!

Speaking of Jen’s birthday, we won’t say the number (but it rhymes with nifty).  If you are so inclined to help Jen celebrate this big occasion, she would appreciate donations to COTA in her honor.  Thanks for supporting Jen and thanks for supporting COTA!