KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Kassandra Klemenz, a 28-year-old resident of Knoxville, Tennessee, recently completed the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon following a successful double-lung transplant. Klemenz, who had been suffering from cystic fibrosis and had experienced a rapid decline in lung function, received the transplant on January 6, 2019. Prior to the transplant, her lung function had dropped to just 8%. Thanks to the donor lungs, she was able to avoid being put on a ventilator. Now, with her new lease on life, Klemenz is fulfilling her dreams and pushing herself physically. She plans to compete in Iron Man competitions and hopes to inspire others to become organ donors.
Klemenz’s journey has been an emotional one, and during her runs, she often thinks about her lung donor. She urges others to consider becoming organ donors, as there are currently over 100,000 people in the United States waiting for life-saving organ transplants. Tennessee Donor Services, a nonprofit healthcare organization, serves nearly six million people in Tennessee and is working to increase awareness and support for organ donation.
Klemenz’s story serves as a testament to the power of organ donation and the impact it can have on individuals and their ability to pursue their dreams. With her newfound strength and gratitude, she is showing the world what it means to live life to the fullest.
