06/17/2026
**Happy 5-Year Lung Transplant Anniversary – All Glory to God!**
Today marks five sacred years since the Lord graciously gave me new lungs and the priceless gift of borrowed time. What a profound, beautiful, and deeply costly journey this has been.
Many assume a transplant simply returns life to “normal.” My story is richer, harder, and more grace-filled than that—one of daily courage, relentless mercy, and small-but-mighty victories that echo in eternity.
Every step forward is a triumph worth celebrating. Some days, my greatest win was simply standing long enough to feel the shower’s warmth wash over me, a quiet reminder that I’m still here by God’s grace. Other days it was mustering the strength to move from bed to couch. These are not insignificant moments. They are acts of quiet faith and perseverance. I have learned to be gentle and kind to myself when that was all I could give—speaking grace instead of criticism, because God honors every effort, no matter how small it may appear.
Life after transplant has changed in so many ways. My body has gone through significant changes—I gained so much weight, which only recently I’ve been able to start losing. This has taken a heavy toll on my self-esteem, and there have been seasons I felt too embarrassed to be around people. I must be so careful about who I’m around when others are sick, always protecting this fragile gift I’ve been given. I’ve had to learn to take things much slower, to forgive myself quickly when I need to sit down, and to release any guilt for pacing myself. One day I can stand in front of people and everything may look wonderful—smiling, laughing, appearing strong—yet they never see the days of recovery that follow behind closed doors, when my body demands rest and I must obey. Every single breath is now a conscious thought. I’ve had to teach myself to work through the rising panic and not let fear take over. And there are moments when I’m out doing an activity, feeling alive, and in an instant everything changes—I have to get home and into my bed before my body shuts down.
There have been so many mornings when even standing felt impossible. My body would fail me completely. In those seasons, my incredible husband and children rose up as true heroes of faith. They carried our home, loved me through the hardest days, and picked up every burden my weakness left behind.
**To my faithful, steadfast husband:** I see you. I thank God for you every single day. You have sat by my side through the wee hours of the morning in those stiff, uncomfortable foldable hospital chairs, refusing to leave even when exhaustion weighed heavy on you. When the pain was so intense that even the smallest touch felt like knives, you still held my hand with such gentle tenderness—your quiet strength speaking louder than any words. Your sacrifices have not gone unnoticed. You have worked tirelessly to keep our family thriving, cared for me with sacrificial love, and been my rock when everything else felt like it was crumbling. You reflect the heart of Jesus in every act of service and every tear you’ve wiped away. I am forever grateful for the man God gave me.
**To my devoted medical team:** Thank you. From the depths of my heart, I am endlessly grateful for your skill, compassion, and unwavering commitment. You have walked with me through countless appointments, tests, hospital stays, and frightening unknowns. You’ve celebrated the good days and fought alongside me on the hardest ones. Your expertise, late nights, careful decisions, and genuine care have given me the very best quality of life possible. You have truly been instruments in the hands of the Great Physician, and I thank God for every one of you.
This road has also led through exhausting hospital stays, frightening ER visits, and waves of pain so severe they stole my breath and tested my endurance. My POTS has grown more challenging—standing or moving too quickly can steal my vision and leave me fighting for balance. There have been terrifying moments when my heart pounded as if a heart attack were imminent, with answers still elusive. Yet through every trial, God’s presence, my husband’s unwavering support, and my medical team’s skilled care have carried me.
**To my precious donor and their family:** From the depths of my grateful heart, thank you. None of this would be possible without your selfless gift and your family’s courage in the midst of their own grief. Because of you, I have these five extra years to watch my children grow and love my family. I carry your gift with humility and purpose. I pray God’s comfort and blessing continue to surround you.
Through every storm, the Lord has still poured out light. I have watched my children grow, chase their dreams, and—most beautifully—deepen their own relationships with Jesus. Their faith has been both anchor and joy.
If you are walking through a storm that feels unending, hear these words from someone who knows the darkness: **Do not give up.** Tomorrow will come. Jesus will show up and show off. Even when your victories seem tiny, they are massive in Heaven’s eyes. Be gentle with yourself on the hardest days. Celebrate every breath, every step, every moment you choose to rise again.
My life is living proof that God still works miracles—not always the ones we expect, but the ones that draw us closer to His heart and reveal His strength in our weakness.
Thank You, Jesus—for five more years, for every tear You’ve caught, for the husband and family who reflect Your love, for my donor’s selfless gift, for my faithful medical team, and for carrying me when I could not walk. I fix my eyes on You, trusting that this story is not over and that Your purpose will shine through every chapter.
All glory, all honor, and all praise belong to You alone.
With a full, hope-filled heart,
McKenzie ❤️
Keep fighting. Keep trusting. Your best days are still ahead.
