According to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Patient Registry, more than 70,000 people around the world are living with cystic fibrosis, and in the U.S. approximately 1,000 new diagnoses are made of the disease each year.
Because of a genetic mutation, the cells cause the mucus formed to become thick and sticky. When it comes to lungs this means that the airways become clogged by this mucus and bacteria can gather causing frequent infections and inflammation. In addition, airways can become constricted by excessive mucus. Breathing can become difficult and lung infections can be frequent, including pneumonia and bronchitis.
Simply put, living with a bad case of cystic fibrosis can mean that breathing can range from difficult to impossible.
That was the case for Jennifer Jones of Byron Minnesota.
As her Fiancé Rob Ronnenberg writes on the CFF blog page, their lives were impacted in every way by the life-threatening disease:
“In October 2016, she was put on oxygen full-time and our lives changed. As time progressed we made decisions about our day based on how many oxygen tanks we would need and how long we had between her breathing and vest treatments.”
Jennifer was listed for a transplant, but her health deteriorated while she waited.
“She couldn’t do a lot of things that the rest of us don’t think twice about” Says Rob. “She didn’t go downstairs to tuck the kids into bed because coming back up the stairs was too difficult. Just taking a shower was exhausting; she had to stop to catch her breath and feared holding her breath for even a few seconds to wash her face. After more challenges, she was hospitalized in early October and told she would most likely be there until she received a transplant.”
But finally she got the good news.
While they were happy to be receiving donated lungs, it came at the cost of life for another family somewhere. For Jennifer and her family it was a bitter sweet moment, but presented hope for her. The transplant was a success, and with Rob having made a video of the moment Jennifer’s tube was removed, they found a lot of additional attention as the miraculous moment that Jennifer takes her first unobstructed breath after the surgery went viral.
The doctors remove her tube, and a very drugged up Jennifer takes her first breath.
The look on Jennifer’s face as she feels air rush into her new lungs is enough to bring tears to your eyes. While her painkillers mean she’s a bit spaced out during the procedure, her reaction is so genuine.
As the apparatus is removed from her face, she remains aghast.
Jennifer had not been able to talk clearly through her breathing tube, but when it’s removed she is finally able to speak.
Although through a whisper, her first words are joyous!
Jennifer breathes a “Hi!” powered by her new lungs. She cannot contain the massive smile that washes over her face. The surgeon happily says “This is what I like about my job”, when he sees Jennifer’s massive smile.
For Jennifer breathing had long been difficult, but now…
…Just watch her joyous expression as she breathes in, and out. Something that we can take for granted, something so fundamental to life itself, when returned can be a profound and moving experience.
The video of Jennifer’s breath now has well over 13 million views on Youtube. The message that Rob wants everyone to hear is about the importance of registering to donate organs to those who may so desperately need them.
Watch the full video below to witness Jennifer’s triumphant breath.
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