My Story
I am 45 years old, a father of four wonderful children and I live in Milford, Delaware. I am a former United States Marine and am now employed by Pohanka of Salisbury. Pohanka is a multi-franchise auto dealer in Salisbury, Maryland. I have been a Sales Manager for Pohanka for the last 4 years. Before my diagnosis I enjoyed helping coach my daughters’ softball teams, roller skating with the family, and traveling. Since my diagnosis, I have not been able to do any of those things.
I was diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in 2005. Today my lung function is only 20% of full capacity. COPD is a progressive disease that affects the lungs. The condition worsens with time and is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. One of the things that I keep hearing from all of the doctors is that I am very young to have such a severe case of COPD…lucky me. But, due to the fact that I am in relatively good health, other than the COPD, I am a very good candidate for a lung transplant.
Breathing is something most of us take for granted. I know I did. But when your lungs don't provide the air you need, your body becomes paralyzed and you can't move. It's a very painful and frightening experience to go through. I've been slowly losing lung capacity since I was diagnosed with COPD about four years ago.
Now, even with oxygen, I find it very difficult to perform simple tasks such as walking upstairs or even getting dressed. After breathing tests, x-rays, CAT scans of my lungs, and a couple of hospital stays, the results show that my disease has progressed and a double lung transplant is necessary. It's really my only chance of survival. Through the gift of transplantation, I hope to some day reclaim my life, both professionally and personally. I look forward to the day when I will no longer have to worry about how many oxygen tanks I have left. I want to be able to once again be able to play with my children, dance with my wife, and just do the things that a healthy middle aged man does.
This has been a life changing situation that I have been placed into. I have never been the type of person that could easily ask for help; or the type of person that could admit weakness. However, with this disease, I am forced to do both on an every day basis. My friends and family have become more important to me than ever before. For this I am thankful. I cannot wait to one day be able to repay all of them for their love, compassion and caring.