Six years after receiving a double lung transplant, Jackie shares how organ donation gave her the chance to breathe deeply, dream again, and look forward to a future she never thought possible.
My name is Jackie Fraser. I am 34 years old. I have cystic fibrosis and 6 years ago I received a double lung transplant.
Life before my transplant was extremely difficult. My lung function got as low as 16% and I was on 24/7 supplementary oxygen, as well as overnight ventilation. Life was hard. Walking was a struggle, I couldn’t make the bed, even showering on my own was a challenge. I couldn’t laugh without erupting in a coughing fit and just chatting with my friends was difficult as I was constantly gasping for breath. I was losing weight at a rapid rate, while my body fought so hard to keep me alive. I had no energy, I wasn’t living.
My double lung transplant has completely changed my life. I can now run, laugh, work, and plan for the future. My new lungs have given me a whole new freedom that had been taken away from me when I was bound by oxygen. My new lungs allowed me to breathe deeply for the first time in my life, right down to the bottom of my lungs. I will never forget the first time that happened.
I am so grateful that I can now take my dog for a walk on my own. When I was on oxygen that just wasn’t possible. He is a labrador and quite strong, and I just wouldn’t even attempt it. Now I can confidently walk him on my own. I will never take a walk in the sun (even the winter sun) or on the beach for granted. It’s incredible to be able to move my body so well.
Organ donation changes lives. It gives people a second chance at living and it would not be possible without the selfless families that make the decision to donate their loved one’s organs. Registering as an organ donor is the greatest gift you can give. It might just save a life, like mine.
My donor and their family have given me the greatest gift they could, they gave me a life. No words will ever be enough to thank them for their gift.
Because of organ donation, I might actually become a mum. That is my greatest wish.
