COLUMBUS, Ohio — Three years ago, Ann Sidesinger faced the daily battle of merely taking a few steps.

Stricken with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, her lungs had become thick and stiff, turning even the simplest activities into monumental challenges. "When you can't breathe, everything is such an effort," she recalls. “Waking up felt like a chore, and each day loomed over me like an unbearable weight."

As Ann's lung condition worsened, her life contracted significantly. The once-active Ohio resident had to swap scenic trail hikes for muted walks around her neighborhood. Simple errands became exhausting labors, forcing her to rely on grocery and meal delivery services to satisfy her basic needs. Navigating the stairs in her home was a hurdle she could manage only once daily.

"I needed more and more oxygen just to move from my bed to the bathroom," she shares. The constant struggle for breath made every task feel like an uphill battle.

Then, hope appeared on the horizon.

Ann's pulmonologist referred her to The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Comprehensive Transplant Center. In September 2022, she underwent a life-changing double lung transplant.

The Complex World of Lung Transplants

Lung transplants are often considered for individuals who suffer from end-stage lung diseases when all other treatment options have failed. Transplanting lungs is particularly difficult due to their fragile nature, with less than 30% of donor lungs meeting the stringent criteria for transplantation.

Dr. David Nunley, medical director of lung transplantation at Ohio State, explains the meticulous process that goes into evaluating donor lungs: “We consider factors such as the age of the donor, compatibility, imaging results, smoking history, previous chest injuries, and overall lung health to ensure the best match for our patients.”

This evaluation process involves a cohesive team of specialists, including transplant pulmonologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, nurse coordinators, pharmacists, social workers, psychologists, physical therapists, and dietitians. "Our multidisciplinary approach allows us to provide comprehensive care that treats patients the way we would want to be treated," says Dr. Matthew Henn, a heart and lung transplant surgeon.

A Growing Need for Organ Donors

The statistics surrounding lung transplants in the U.S. indicate a growing need. The number of lung transplants has nearly doubled over the past decade, increasing from 1,925 in 2014 to an expected 3,370 in 2024. Ohio State Wexner Medical Center notably performed 70 lung transplants last year, ranking it 18th nationally. Despite this growth, Dr. Henn stresses the urgent need for more organ donors: "With more donors, we can significantly impact more lives."

A Second Chance at Life

Fast forward two years post-surgery, and the change in Ann Sidesinger's quality of life is nothing short of miraculous. The active grandmother now enjoys regular walks, engages with her community center for exercise, and has even embarked on mountain hikes in breathtaking locales like Colorado and the Dominican Republic.

“The goal of the transplant is to restore patients' ability to live their lives fully,” Dr. Henn emphasizes. Witnessing patients like Ann reclaim their happiness and vitality is immensely rewarding for the healthcare team.

In April, as we observe National Donate Life Month, there's a vital opportunity to shine a light on the necessity of organ donors. It serves as a reminder for everyone to consider signing up as organ donors and to pay tribute to those whose gifts saved lives.

“I no longer take any moment for granted,” Ann reflects. “Once you’ve been stripped of the simple joys, everything feels meaningful again. I’m eternally grateful for these new lungs and for all donors. Their generosity is a life-altering gift."

For more information on organ donation, and to learn how you can make a difference, please visit: wexnermedical.osu.edu/Buckeye4Life.