As we approach the holidays, my mind is flooded with memories of two Christmas trees that stand out above all the rest. Not because they were tall or boasted perfect branches or were immaculately decorated, but because they’re a reminder of all the blessings and miracles in my life and of the generosity and selflessness of others. They remind me to be grateful for something as simple yet as miraculous as the ability to breathe.
Our happiness was made possible by two men truly loving their neighbor and unselfishly becoming the answer to many heartfelt prayers. At age 16, I was deathly ill due to cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that mainly affects the lungs and pancreas of the individual. Due to a defect in the sodium chloride channel, thick mucus is produced that clogs airways and leads to life-threatening infections which scar the lungs over time and kill lung tissue until there is no healthy lung tissue left. Death in CF patients is usually caused by suffocation in spite of constantly breathing oxygen from a tank.
My health had steadily been declining since my freshman year of high school as I gradually took less and less classes until my junior year, when I was completely home-schooled and eventually bedridden. Even as my health rapidly spiraled downward accompanied by constant 104-degree fevers, constant vomiting, no appetite, no energy to even stand in the shower (I had sponge baths instead), I was still in denial that I was dying. I had told myself as I watched my older brother, Justin, at age 19, cheerfully endure these same challenges months before he passed away, that if my behavior ever mirrored his, then I would know I was dying. I reminded myself of this, but I still couldn’t accept that death was what came next. That was impossible. I had always been so much healthier than Justin. I wasn’t going to die at 16 due to cystic fibrosis. The cure was going to be here. But my parents knew differently, they knew a living lobar lung transplant was my only hope for survival.
After a series of miracles, too many to detail here (you can read about some of them here or ALL about them here), I was accepted for a living lobar lung transplant at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. A living lobar transplant or living donor transplant is an alternative for individuals who will likely die while on the waiting list for a traditional transplant. It involves the surgical removal of the right lower lobe from one living donor and the left lower lobe from a separate living donor, (everyone has five lobes total) and replacing the recipient’s diseased 5 lobes (which are completely removed) with these two new lobes. The recipient now has a new set of lungs comprised of the donor’s two lobes. The first successful living donor lung transplant was celebrated in 1993 when a mother and father each donated a lobe to their dying 12-year-old daughter. In 1999, my junior year of high school, the procedure was still quite rare and continues to be so today.
After hopeful testing to become my donors, none of my family members or extended family qualified. My very life was at the complete mercy of the selflessness and courage of friends. Word quietly leaked out to friends that a donor was needed. Within days, more than 30 individuals stepped forward and offered to undergo the difficult, painful surgery for me. It is indescribable to express what it feels like when you are so helpless, can do nothing for yourself and angels steps forward and say, “l will do that for you,” which in this case translates to, “I will save your life.” After a series of tests and their own powerful witnesses to step forward, family friend Dr. Jim Davies and family friend and my church Bishop at the time, Graham Bullick, were accepted as my lung donors.
The night before surgery, my dad recorded in his journal: November 28, 1999: I have talked to many doctors since being here about the procedure. It will be a difficult few weeks but seeing Jennifer healthy, with energy, will be terrific. She is so excited. She is so remarkable. She said if it were not for her family she would just as soon pass on. She said, “Dad, I think this surgery will be fine, but if not, don’t be sad because I’ll still be fine. I will either wake up with new lungs or wake up on the other side. Both would be great.” What great faith she has. She said the transplant is too easy and wondered what future challenges she would need to face if this works!
After a week of health ups and downs and many prayers on my behalf after surgery, my breathing tube was finally removed. It was with no little reverence that I inhaled my first deep breath with my new lungs and crumbled into a puddle of tears. My tears were the grateful realization I had new, healthy working lungs. I was going to have energy. I was going to breathe easily. I was going to breathe deeply. I wasn’t going to cough 24/7. I was going to live.
A couple days later, my joy turned to extreme reverence and gratitude as I beheld my donors on the other side of my ICU glass window. Although they were not allowed into my room, no walls could separate the love penetrating every inch of that hospital chamber. The weight of their sacrifice became more real as I sat inhaling and exhaling with lobes from their lungs, all the while not feeling like I was breathing at all. As I gazed at their smiles through the glass, I was overcome with indescribable awe and tremendous gratitude at their sacrifice. My donors had willingly teetered on the edge of mortality in order to rescue me from the brink of death. I knew from that moment on, every joy I experience in this life, every new discovery, every smile, every hope for the future, simply every second, I would owe to them.
Today, having just celebrated my 15 year lung transplant anniversary on November 29th, 2014, I am grateful with every breath for all my donors have made possible in my life – from my very life – to graduating high school, graduating college, working multiple jobs, starting my own company Carlsbad Cravings and getting to cook and eat a lot, to traveling to exotic locations, living with 13 different roommates, forging lifelong friendships, being aunt to 20 nieces and nephews, continued daughter to my parents and sister to my brothers and sister, to being mommy to my squishy French Bulldog, Kiwi, to marrying the man of my dreams and getting to spend my cherished time with him. All made possible by Graham, Jim and an omnipotent Father in Heaven. I can never thank them enough.
As I think back on these two special Christmases and Christmas trees, I realize that we likely won’t have the chance to physically save someone’s life, but we do have the opportunity, whether we know it or not, to lift others emotionally and spiritually every single day through our small acts of love and kindness. Giving to others, and being recipients of giving, changes everything. As Albert Einstein so eloquently stated, “Only a life lived for others is a life worth living.”
I’m so grateful for those who were willing to give their life for me, and for what it has taught me about honoring the reason for the season, and doing good for others.
To help spread the word about doing good, I have partnered with New York Life’s Keep Good Going Campaign. You can visit their site for more uplifting and inspirational stories as well as share your own special Keep Good Going moments, experiences and photos. You can also do good right now by tweeting your own holiday tradition or memory using #KeepGoodGoing and the hashtag #FeedingAMillion. New York Life will donate 25 meals to Feeding America for every tweet with these hashtags! I would love to hear about what you are most thankful for this holiday season. Leave a comment below for a chance to win a $50 VISA gift card and for a $50 donation in your name to Feeding America on behalf of BlogHer. (*Through 1/9/15, New York Life will donate $2.50 for each approved post, with a minimum of $25K & a maximum of $100K. See full terms and conditions at NewYorkLife.com/CelebratingGood. Find info about Feeding America at feedingamerica.org.)
I wish you all a very happy holiday season full of gratitude, love and loved ones and doing good for others! To read more of my story and my source of hope and strength, click here.
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This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 72 hours to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected.
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Amber Smith McBride says
Beautiful post Jen. I can’t believe it has been 15 years. I am so glad you lived to continue to tell your story, inspire and bless others. Love ya!
Jen says
You are so sweet, thank you Amber! I can’t believe it was 15 years ago either but at the same time it feels like a whole different lifetime. I am so blessed to still be alive to tell my story 🙂 Thank you for all your support! xoxoxo! Jen
Stephanie Phelps says
I am so thankful for my beautifully healthy children and husband and the grace of God!
Jen says
Beautiful!
Stephanie Phelps says
I tweeted
https://twitter.com/my4boysand1/status/539536236898451458
Mami2jcn says
I’m thankful for my husband and kids.
Jen says
Absolutely! Family is all that matters!
Mami2jcn says
tweet–https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/539580509819764736
Michelle says
Thank you for sharing your wonderful story. I am thankful for my children’s health and happiness.
Jen says
You are so welcome Michelle! God bless you and your family!
Carrie B says
Hi Jen, beautiful post! I am thankful for my wonderful husband and my happy and healthy three children!
Jen says
Thank you so much Carrie! Your family sounds like a wonderful bunch to be thankful for :)!
Carrie B says
Hi Jen, you really are in inspiration and a wonderful writer and recipe writer too! I’m very grateful to have found your blog. 🙂
Mary Ellen says
How blessed you are Jen! I’ll tweet you message and if I win you can donate both to this wonderful cause. I am thankful for my best friend who stand beside me whatever I do.
Jen says
That is so generous of you Mary Ellen, thank you! Best friends are the best!!!
Sheena @ Hot Eats and Cool Reads says
You have such an amazing story! Thanks so much for sharing 🙂
Jen says
My pleasure Sheena, thank you for sharing it with me!
Elena says
I am thankful for my family.
Jen says
Thank you Elena! The best reason to be thankful!
Michele @ Flavor Mosaic says
What a beautiful life! It is wonderful to hear about selfless acts of people who help others, in this situation, you! It also makes me grateful for the things I take for granted. Thank you for telling your story.
Jen says
Thank you so much Michele! I am grateful everyday for their selfless acts. We truly all have much to be grateful for everyday!
Elena says
tweet https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/539614137115234304
Nicole D says
I am thankful for more time I get to spend with my family and friends this holiday season.
Jen says
thanks Nicole, time with family is definitely something to be thankful for! Happy holidays!
Nicole D says
Tweeted here – https://twitter.com/lil_lady_dz/status/539618761171406848
Culinary Ginger says
Jen, you have given me goosebumps and happy tears after reading your story. How miraculous is modern medicine, including yourself, family, donors and doctors. I will light a Christmas candle for you this season, be thankful that I know you and I am glad to be writing this on your blog. I don’t want the gift card, I just want to donate.
Jen says
Thank you Janette! I have indeed been so blessed by modern medicine and the generosity of others, I am so grateful everyday! I am so glad to know you too and thank you so much for sharing in this journey with me. Have a very Merry Christmas and may God bless you and yours! xoxo Jen
kelly D says
I am thankful for my husband and 2 kids.
Jen says
Thank you Kelly! That is 3 huge reasons to be thankful 🙂 Happy holidays!
sarah says
Thank you for sharing your story Jen. It brought tears to my eyes.
Jen says
My absolute honor Sarah, thank you for sharing this journey with me!
Melanie Burk says
Just thinking about this time brings tears to my eyes. Oh how i love you and your how great is your faith. So grateful for you sharing your story. xoxo
Jen says
Love you with all my heart Melanie! You are one of the miracles in my life! I am looking forward to JANUARY with you!!!
Sandra Shaffer says
How wonderful you had so many people willing to step in in your time of need, and what are the chances of getting TWO donors! Warms my heart xo
Jen says
There were so many miracles for this to all workout including those two courageous men who I am so grateful to everyday! XOXO
Julie Wood says
I am thankful for my Dad being here this Holiday season and not being sick anymore!! I am thankful that all of my sisters and brothers will be spending the Holidays with me! And I am so thankful for my new baby niece who was born a few weeks ago-healthy!
Jen says
What wonderful blessings to be Thankful for! I wish you and your family continued good health and a wonderful holiday season!
Julie Wood says
Tweet Entry
https://twitter.com/JewelWood/status/539783550732881920
Sophia @ NY Foodgasm says
You totally had me crying before 10am! This is a beautiful story, thanks so much for sharing as I know how hard it is to relive these moments. You are a truly beautiful person inside and out and you have the most faith I have ever seen! XOXO!
Jen says
Ah Sophia, your comments always bring a smile to my face – thank you! You make me smile and I am making you cry – doesn’t quite seem right 🙂 It is an honor to share my story with people like you and your beautiful heart. Thanks for all your continued support. I am so honored to know you!
Rachael says
Jen! What a sweet post. I am thankful I know you, and thankful for my faith, my family, and my health!
Jen says
Thanks Rachael, I am so happy we have become foodie friends – and much more! Next time you are in SD, give me a call!
Marion@Life Tastes Good says
What a beautiful post ,Jen! So thankful you are still here to share your inspirational story. I am most thankful for my family and for simply just being together 🙂
Jen says
I am so happy and grateful I am still here too and able to make wonderful friends like you!
Renee's Kitchen Adventures says
What an amazing inspirational story Jenn! I am very familiar with your struggles, as my son’s best friend (20 yrs old) also had a lung transplant at 16 for CF. He has had some complications along the way, most recently his own antibodies attacking the new lungs. In October, he had a splenectomy in hopes of slowing down the attack, or even reversing it. So far, things look promising. I pray for this child every day…as I am sure many in your life did for you. Your story gives other hope, when there doesn’t seem to be any. Very appropriate for this time of year. God Bless!
Jen says
My heart and prayers go out to your friend’s son. It is so hard to not know what the outcome will be but I am so glad it is looking promising. Your prayers really do make a difference! God bless you and yours as well! xoxo
Julianna says
Jen! Wow- thank you so so much for sharing this inspiring story. We had moved to utah in January of 2009- I had no idea at the time that my friend down in poway had had such a rough year! Years had passed by the time I had heard parts of your story- I am so grateful that you were able to make it through surgery to continue to be an inspiration and example to me and so many others! Davies and bullick are true angels and so are you my friend! Thank you for your continual strength and example!!!
Jen says
Julianna, you are so sweet, thank you! You were always such a wonderful friend and continue to be with your kind words. I am so blessed to know you! I hope you and your family are doing well and have a very Merry Christmas!
Natalie says
That is an incredible story! I am very thankful for my loving and supportive family, and most of all Jesus and all he has provided for me. I am also thankful that I just got a job offer!! yarbr012 at gmail dot com
Jen says
Beautiful, me too! Thank you for sharing and congratulations on your job offer!! Best to you!
Natalie says
tweet https://twitter.com/yarbr012/status/540206697407840256
Kathy Amelotte says
From the moment I met you, you have inspired me to be a better person. I have learned so many life lessons from you and I try carry these lessons with me every day. I am so blessed to call you “friend” and thankful that you celebrated 15 years in November. xoxo
Jen says
Oh Kathy, I love you so much and I miss you so much! You are a light in my life and have taught me so much through your kindness, strength and humor. Thank you for all your love and support, you mean the world to me! Lets definitely get together soon! xoxo!
heather says
I am thankful for family friends and pets.
OFG says
I’m thankful for my amazing family and most amazing gift of all; my three year old son.
onefrugalgirl AT gmail DOT com
Jen says
He sounds precious! than you!
Madeline says
I’m thankful for my wonderful family, and a job that I adore.
Jen says
that is a lot to be thankful for. Thanks Madeline!
Madeline says
Tweet link: https://twitter.com/shala_darkstone/status/541332569967849474
rachel says
My relationship with God and a loving husband!
Jen says
Beautiful Rachel. Me too!
Jessie C. says
I am most thankful for the good health this holiday season.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
Jen says
Good health is so often taken for granted but so much to be thankful for! Thanks Jessie!
Jessie C. says
-https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/541797548009480192
Susan Smith says
I am thankful for my healthy children and husband.
Jen says
Thank you Susan! So much to be thankful for!
Susan Smith says
https://twitter.com/susan1215/status/542358549637365761
Rebecca says
I’m thankful for my family and a warm, cozy house to live in!
Jen says
Thanks Rebecca! that’s a lot ot be thankful for :)!
anna pry says
i’m thankful for the creative ways God provides for us [email protected]
LaTanya says
I’m thankful for my life and my family
LaTanya says
https://twitter.com/sweetums82/status/543060083136286720
tina m says
I just had a baby one month ago. I’m thankful to have him.
tina m says
https://twitter.com/HappyTina0115/status/543107955353063424
D Schmidt says
I am very thankful for my family, I just cannot believe how lucky I am.
D Schmidt says
tweeted https://twitter.com/mummytotwoboys1/status/544240914856542208
ANGEL JACKLYN says
VERY TOUCHING STORY! I AM THANKFUL FOR ALL THE LOVE I RECEIVE FROM MY FAMILY & FRIENDS AS WELL! =)
Jen says
Thank you so much Angel! I am sure they are thankful for your love too! Happy holidays!
ANGEL JACKLYN says
TWEETED! https://twitter.com/kytah00/status/545362955131699201
Gina M says
I am thankful for my family’s health and happiness!
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 AT gmail DOT com
Gina M says
tweet–https://twitter.com/WildOrchid985/status/545719396204027905
LAMusing says
Wow – what a story – thank you for sharing! I’m grateful my mom’s health is better this year. Last year the holidays were spent at the ER and the hospital.
Norma says
I’m grateful for my daughter!
Rebecca Graham says
I am thankful for the friends and family that I have.
Betty C says
I am thankful for my family and friends and a steady job that takes care of the necessities.
Betty C says
Tweet – https://twitter.com/willitara/status/548817390042353664
kjasus says
i am thankful for my father, who was just diagnosed with leukemia, is alive and well this holiday season!
kjasus says
https://twitter.com/raggammuffin/status/548841723128860674
Lisa Brown says
I am thankful for my husband and being married
Lisa Brown says
https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/549243248414572544
steve weber says
I’m thankful for being with family!
Kristen says
I spent last Christmas in the hospital but never had twinkling lights on my IV pole!!! LOL
Seriously….I am so thankful for the friends & family who stick with me through good times and bad, and for my current good health!
Kristen says
https://twitter.com/rubylorikeet/status/549436703640133634
Ellie Wright says
I’m thankful my recent biopsy for breast cancer came back benign.
Jen says
What a blessing! I am so happy for you Ellie!
Ellie Wright says
tweeted
https://twitter.com/eswright18/status/550032668680003585
Francine Anchondo says
for my family
Margaret Smith says
I am thankful for my family and being able to spend Christmas with my love ones. My brother and his family and my Dad live out of state and I’m so grateful that we are able to spend the Holidays together.
Margaret Smith says
I tweeted: https://twitter.com/peg42/status/550052332265046016
Thanks again.
Denise L says
I was already very thankful for my health, but after reading your story I’m even more so! Happy New Year 🙂
Denise L says
tweeted https://twitter.com/dmarie824/status/550058064758337537
Lisa V. says
I’m thankful for my friends and family.
Stephanie Larison says
I’m thankful for my 2 healthy daughters and my husband’s job.
Daniel M says
thankful after the procedure me mom is feeling better
letessha w. says
I am thankful for my family.
letessha w. says
tweet
https://twitter.com/darrenswife1/status/550097750302674944
denise a says
I am thankful for God and my family
Ed says
I am thankful for a paycheck.
Theresa Smith says
I am thankful for my two precious grandchildren who are happy and healthy.
Cori Westphal says
I’m thankful that we are finally getting on top of some of our debt! It feels good!
coriwestphal at msn dot com
Erica B. says
I’m most helpful for my health.
Debbie B says
i am thankful for my happy family !
Debbie B says
i posted a tweet – not sure why it won’t show up!
https://twitter.com/bellows22/status/550143218307039233
Rosanne says
I’m so thankful that all the family was here for Christmas
Rosanne says
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/rosannepm/status/550145286912622593
Barbara Montag says
I’m so thankful for the grand kids – they’re such a joy!
thank you
Barbara Montag says
Tweeted https://twitter.com/JalapenoMama/status/550163364354486272
Kiara says
I am thankful for my family.
[email protected]
Holly G. says
My family had a lot of exciting and fun experiences this year. I’m very thankful for that!
joni says
I am thankful my family has good health.
joni says
https://twitter.com/smilekisses/status/550231570846855170
joe gersch says
I am thankful for my family
Aaron says
I am thankful for you and your health =)
Buddy Garrett says
I am most thankful for my family.
Amanda Sakovitz says
im thankful for my family
angie says
I am most thankful for my partner of nearly 25 years. Our first date anniversary is January 3rd and that will mark 25 years that we have been together. He is my best friend, confidant, hero, support system, and lover. I take every day I have with him as a blessing and never for granted.
angie says
I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/MsTofuFairy/status/550326771024154624
Chi Shannon says
I am thankful for my daughters! 🙂 They are truly awesome and wonderful people! I’m also thankful for life itself 🙂 Things are pretty good right now and I hope they continue to be the same next year 🙂
Chi Shannon says
Tweeted 🙂 – https://twitter.com/Enter_Now/status/550328212346372097
Debbi Wellenstein says
I am eternally thankful for my children, my grandchilden, and my husband.
Denise S says
I’m thankful for my hard working husband and my children.
T Michelle Trump says
My hubby, our health and my family and friends! [email protected]
T Michelle Trump says
I tweeted as @tmt121172 on 12/31/14 [email protected]
Thomas Murphy says
I am thankful for my family.
Tabathia B says
I am thankful my daughter didn’t have to spend the holidays in the hospital
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Cathy Truman says
I am most thankful for my wonderful husband who learned to walk again after having a stroke
and was told he would not walk again
maria cantu says
Thankful for my three children.
Janice Cooper says
I’m thankful for God and all his blessings this year and my hubby
Cynthia C says
After reading your story, I am so thankful for the good health that my family and I enjoy. it is easily taken for granted.
Cynthia C says
Tweet
https://twitter.com/clc408/status/550402020377903106
HilLesha says
I’m thankful for every moment. I’m thankful for God, my family and best friend. I’m thankful for being healthy. I’m thankful for having the basic necessities, such as having a place to live and food. Needless to say, I’m thankful for everything. 🙂
Janice Cooper says
https://twitter.com/disneyfan40/status/550406209967509504
Candie L says
After reading that it made me thankful for my health. I had Melenoma 6 years ago but minor surgery and no other issues. thank you
WHITNEY says
I am thankful for my fiance.
Kathy Pease says
I am thankful for the wonderful people in my family..I don’t know where I would be without them.
Kathy Pease says
https://twitter.com/klp1965/status/550412161986486273
sarah hirsch says
i am thankful to have my husband and kids in my life
Sarah L says
I am thankful for good friends, good health and a warm house.
Thanks for the contest.
Sarah L says
https://twitter.com/slehan/status/550448283454545921
christine burd says
I am thankful for so many things. I have a great husband, 3 good children, a good life and good parents. My life is full of things to be thankful for