A Breath of Fresh Air: Ken Wyatt's Second Chance at Life
A Breath of Fresh Air: Ken Wyatt's Second Chance at Life
A Struggle for Breath
For Ken Wyatt, half a block and a flight of stairs should never have been a challenge. He used to lead boy scouts on 50-mile hikes through the rugged Rocky Mountains. But suddenly, the simple act of breathing was an uphill battle.
With each step, he felt his chest tighten, recalling even the simplest conversations were a struggle for breath. Over time his worry grew as his condition worsened.
Seeking medical help from a specialist, the news he received was devastating. Ken was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis – a chronic, progressive lung disease that causes scar tissue to build up in the lungs.
For someone his age, this was essentially a death sentence.
The worst part was, despite being otherwise healthy, at 79, Ken was simply considered too old for the transplant that could save his life. He refused to accept that age should be a barrier to a life-saving solution. According to Ken, his grandfather lived to the age of 103 and his mother, 106.
He wasn’t afraid to die, but he knew he had more life to live.
A Search for Hope
Ken’s determination led him to seek a second opinion, refusing to accept the initial prognosis. A second physician agreed. Apart from his failing lungs, Ken was remarkably healthy and was immediately referred to the renowned INTEGRIS Health Nazih Zuhdi Transplant Institute.
Following a comprehensive series of tests, the transplant team found that Ken was an ideal candidate for the procedure, defying any limitations imposed by his age. He was swiftly added to the lung transplant list.
With such a short time frame, the urgency of the situation became apparent. “I was thankful to be on the list, but I knew it also meant I didn’t have a lot of time,” Ken admits.
Knowing that some people wait years for a life-saving transplant, Ken was both surprised and grateful when, less than two months later, he received the call that they had a viable lung for him.
The Gift of a Second Chance
Ken awoke from surgery to a new sensation – a full breath filling his lungs. The simple act of breathing is a poignant reminder that life is a precious gift we keep for only a brief time. Ken still carries a weight on his heart – a profound awareness of the sacrifice made by the donor and their family. With humility, his voice breaks as he recalls his recovery:
“I wrote the donor’s family a letter. I wanted them to a letter. I wanted them to know how much I appreciated know how much I appreciated it. To be given a second it. To be given a second chance in life, I am forever chance in life, I am forever grateful. There is nothing grateful. There is nothing like waking up and being like waking up and being able to breathe.”
Ken and his transplant surgeon, Dr. Craig Elkins share a moment, reflecting on Ken’s progress since his transplant.
A Second Wind
Today, Ken at the age of 84 is proof positive that age is relative. He still lives an extremely active life, volunteering for a variety of organizations and tackling physical tasks around the house.
With pride, he shares, “I’m probably the only one on my street who still mows his yard.”
This journey has granted him a fresh outlook on life, infusing Ken with purpose. He believes that there is a plan guiding him forward. Ken states, “I figure that God must have a mission for me since I’m still here. I’ll stay as long as it takes to fulfill that purpose. When the time comes, He’ll let me know.”
Since the Samara Family Transplant Patient Assistance Fund was established in 2019, $111,168 has been awarded to patients in need.
According to Ken, it is now his mission to raise the age limit of lung transplant recipients. He wants people to know that age doesn’t have to be a deterrent to seeking an organ transplant.
Knowing just how precious a second chance is, Ken has chosen to partner with the INTEGRIS Health Foundation as a financial donor. His gift to the Samara Family Transplant Patient Assistance Fund helps patients who would be disqualified for a transplant because of the lack of financial resources.
As a supporter of the INTEGRIS Health Foundation, you are an integral part of empowering stories like Ken’s. You help provide the necessary resources for individuals who need life-saving transplants.
Ken’s journey, marked by resilience, a deep love for life and a genuine commitment to helping others, serves as a shining example of the transformative power of second chances. Your generosity enables these transformative journeys to unfold, allowing individuals to embrace life with renewed hope and purpose.