It’s been a while since we’ve done a health update for Jen- it’s hard to believe it’s been about 19 months since her transplant! As expected, Jen honors her donor by living her best life every single precious day. Here’s the update in her very own words:

Maybe like a toddler at 19 months of age, I’ve proudly developed strength to walk on my own, climb stairs (well, maybe not a lot of them!), I could run if I really had to, and I can move and bend and stretch and twist and pretty much control my entire body!!! 🙂

It’s been an amazing and awesome journey to breathe and embrace this new life! I had an incredible summer performing at Carnegie Hall in New York City during a sold-out concert with singer Lauren Daigle. This was particularly special since fellow three-time lung recipient Tricia (we met in Durham) and her friend Dana were singing in the backup choir— it was a fun time for all of us performing and exploring New York. I also enjoyed a great reunion with my cousin Liz who lives in New York- some of you reading this might recall she helped care for my dear kitties in Indy during my time in Durham! 

I had a fun and meaningful summer competing in the Transplant Games of America for Team Indiana – I trained for a new sport, swimming, and was so excited to swim 50 meters in the backstroke without stopping or breaking my stroke! I also continued my winning streak in singles golf, bringing home the gold medal, and silver in women’s doubles bowling with my partner Doris (a liver recipient). It was especially memorable sharing time at the Games with my teammates, my mom Debbie and stepdad Jim, and good friend Judy cheering all of us during the events – Judy even participated in the 5k!  While I had several highlights this summer it wasn’t without some health challenges. I dealt with a complex lung infection requiring home iv and oral antibiotics for several weeks, as well as Covid a few weeks ago (thankfully after all of my summer travels and nothing was interrupted!). Both of these were not easy for me to overcome. I am 90% recovered and don’t anticipate any long-term consequences – my lungs proved their resilience, and mostly I am regaining strength and weight at this point!  My lungs are already back to their baseline!!

I am so grateful for the top-notch healthcare teams at Duke and IU Health for ensuring I have quick access to the best medical care I need. I continue to juggle multiple medical appointments, take more medicines on a daily basis than I can possibly count- but manage thanks to my pill organizer, and have medical hurdles here and there. But I wouldn’t trade the gift of breathing freely for anything. Thanks as always for your continued support. It truly makes a difference. Onward!!