Ann Reigstad

I, Ann, am 10.5 months out from my bilateral lung transplant. My days with oxygen attached to me are gone! I am truly blessed for the gift of organ donation. Once I reach 1 year (July 4, 2025), I am to the point of having less of a chance of rejection. It will always be a risk, but less after the first year.

Prior to my diagnosis of hypersensitivity pneumonitis, I was very active doing outdoor activities, going to my kids sporting events, and my career of teaching was going strong. Within a week my career ended. My outdoor pursuits gradually declined, but I tried to keep active to have strength after my surgery. I’m so happy that I did because it hastened my physical recovery after surgery.

There are things that I still struggle with since surgery. My breastbone still hasn’t fused back together. This limits what I can do for exercise. I currently renewed my membership at the gym. I walk in the pool and take a balance and stability class. I miss being able to do exercises that use weights, even the light ones. I know this will come back in time. I also struggle with writing. I used to have really nice handwriting. Now I struggle with even writing a sentence because my hands shake.

One other struggle, which is common after transplant, is the wonder about my donor. Who were they? Does the family want to meet me? My biggest one is how the family is doing after their loss of a loved one? I just can’t imagine….

I have had many firsts over the past 10 months that have brought me joy and encouragement. I am fundraising to help reach my goals of quality of life, pay travel expenses to and from Madison, and promote awareness about organ donation and Hope, Help, Live donation site.

On Friday, May 30, Help Hope Live will cover the credit card fee for all donations made in honor of me at helphopelive.org. I appreciate those that have already donated in honor of me and/or taking time to read about my transplant journey.