Submit Your Transplant Story

Joanne Schum is compiling the 2nd edition of "Taking Flight: Inspirational Stories of Lung Transplantation" and is in need of stories.

If you know anyone who had a lung transplant, were/are care takers of lung recipients, or were/are a donor family who donated lungs, have them email Joanne at [luckylungsforjo AT aol DOT com].

An added bonus: If you enter a story you have the opportunity to design the front cover!! Butterflies are the theme.

To learn more about the details of submitting your story, check out the Facebook Group page Lung Transplantation: Taking Flight with New Life. Those who have HAD, or are WAITING for a lung, lungs, or heart/lungs transplant, will find this group helpful.

Joanne Schum is 46 years old. A post double lung transplant of 13 years due to Cystic Fibrosis.

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Taking Flight -Inspirational Stories of Lung Transplantation

Lungs for Life has had a long standing relationship with Joanne Schum. When she first compiled "Taking Flight" we were thrilled for her and we received first grabs at the new copies before they hit the store. From that point forward we have always kept this book in stock and available to the cystic fibrosis and lung transplant communities. It is a valuable resource for those considering or going through lung transplantation. Learn more about the book below.

Taking Flight -Inspirational Stories of Lung Transplantation
This book is the gathering of 255 stories from around the world of those who have had a lung or heart/lung transplant. The recipients share their amazing stories. Also included are stories from caretakers and loved ones and how lung transplant changed the lives of their loved ones, and how wonderful it is to witness the new life that has taken place.

The fascinating and miraculous stories of all these individuals are just a small number of those who have received a lung transplant and now have the joy of living and breathing and being with their loved ones for many more years. Inspirational, moving and a true miracle for all these folks.

Compiled by Joanne Schum (Cystic Fibrosis Bi-Lateral Lung Recipient, September 12, 1997). Authored by Lung Recipients Around the World.

Released: July 6, 2006 | ISBN-10: 1553696840
Purchase Taking Flight: Inspirational Stories of Lung Transplantation through Amazon.

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The Butterfly: A Symbol of Lung Transplant

I love butterflies and how appropriate the butterfly has also become the symbol of lung transplant. If you have cystic fibrosis, at some point your doctor will discuss with you the need for a lung transplant. It is my hope the following story behind the symbol of newly transplanted lungs will provide you with hope and inspiration as you begin your transplant journey.

The Butterfly: Life has wings...or rather life should have wings. When Cystic Fibrosis damages the lungs with scarring from past infections, and antibiotics no longer give the relief they once did, and the quality of life is stalled, or the length of life is shortened when you are told, "you have only a couple of years left", you want those wings back to fly. Lung Transplantation is the option to get those wings once again and live your life dreams.

For those who are fortunate enough to witness the actual lung transplantation surgery, they will describe it as a moving experience that is emotional and awe inspiring. When the old lungs are removed, appearing much like raw liver, and the new lungs are taken from the cooler they have been transported in, the light pink, white new lungs are in such contrast to the old. But the more breath taking experience is to see the new lungs take life when they are connected. It is described as "like beautiful butterfly wings, opening for the very first time, they expand and you can see the beauty in life and in good lungs".




Like butterfly wings opening for the first time, so is the size and shape of the new lungs...a comparison that has great meaning to those with Cystic Fibrosis who get the gift of new lungs and a chance to live their dreams.

As you consider and journey through transplant, read inspiring stories of transplant survivors. Taking Flight -Inspirational Stories of Lung Transplantation is available through Amazon.

Interested in submitting your personal transplant journey for consideration on our website or blog? I'd love to hear from you! Just contact us for details.

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