Man Celebrates 1 Year Since Double Lung Transplant

John Kelly, an Anne Arundel County resident, recently marked a momentous occasion: the one-year anniversary of his double lung transplant. This life-altering procedure followed a grim prognosis of only two to three years left to live, stemming from a severe scleroderma condition that had progressively damaged his lungs.

Previously reliant on oxygen 24/7, Kelly described the debilitating effects of his illness, where even climbing stairs became an insurmountable task. After being referred to Temple Health in Baltimore, he underwent the transplant surgery performed by Dr. Kartik Shenoy and Dr. Roh Yanagida.

Double lung transplants boast a high success rate, with approximately 90% survival one year post-operation nationwide. Kelly's recovery was swift, enabling him to disconnect from oxygen and regain significant physical capabilities. He now enjoys hiking, sports, and holiday decorating, expressing profound gratitude for his renewed life.