Joan Munn Hopkins

I received a lung transplant 11 years after my lung disease was diagnosed. Intervening were stage 3 breast cancer and melanoma. Both of those require a 5 year wait to prove no evidence of cancer’s return.

When the call came, we flew by prearranged air ambulance to U of MN in Minneapolis. We spent three months there with wonderful friends who came to spend a week or two so my husband could return to work.

I am now 7.5 years out from my transplant, enjoying life.

Don’t believe the TV dramas; the process is dramatic enough without embellishment. One person can save and/or improve quality of life of many. I certainly could not have survived much longer.

I correspond with my donor’s mother a few times each year. She has never requested to meet, but I would if she asked.