First published 2024-10-04 19:19:17

Jenny Fagerstrom, an organ recipient diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension in 2006, reflects on her challenging journey toward receiving a lung transplant. By 2017, her health had deteriorated significantly, requiring full-time oxygen support and multiple medications. Juggling her health struggles while caring for her three young children, including an infant, Fagerstrom was placed on the transplant waiting list in December, navigating a tumultuous period of uncertainty and hope.

Jenny’s recovery journey was arduous, involving significant physical changes and challenges. She mentioned losing a lot of hair and weight, with a notable decline in muscle tone that necessitated the use of a walker. Such experiences highlight the intensive and demanding nature of recovering from a lung transplant. Despite the severity of these difficulties, Jenny’s determination and resilience shine through as she navigated life post-transplant, not just for her own sake, but also as a mother of young children who depended on her.

The community’s recognition of organ donors and recipients is scheduled with a celebratory event at the Anchorage Museum. This occasion reflects a broader societal acknowledgment of the profound impact that organ transplantation can have on individuals and families. The event promises to bring together families of donors and recipients to share in a moment of gratitude and reflection, reinforcing the communal bond and shared experiences of those touched by organ donation and transplants.