Quadruple Transplant: Woman's New Life After 36-Hour Surgery

Jasmine Jones, a 28-year-old resident of Calumet Heights, is experiencing a profound new chapter of life following an unprecedented quadruple organ transplant. The complex surgery, which spanned 36 hours on January 5 and 6, 2026, involved replacing her lungs, liver, and kidney. This remarkable feat is noted as the first quadruple transplant of its nature performed in Illinois and only the sixth such procedure in the United States, according to the United Network for Organ Sharing.

Jones, who had lived with cystic fibrosis her entire life, described her prior condition as one of limited energy, pain, and swelling. The success of the surgery has brought her a surge of energy, enabling her to feel like the "main character" with the ability to do anything. She expressed immense gratitude for the selflessness of her organ donor and their family, acknowledging the profound gift of life.

This life-altering surgery was conducted by a dedicated team at UChicago Medicine, with key contributions from Dr. Pablo Sanchez, surgical director of the Lung Transplant program, and Dr. Rolf Barth, co-director of the Transplant Institute. Both surgeons shared their awe at witnessing the transplanted organs function, describing each transplant as a miracle and noting the immediate positive change in Jones's demeanor.

After a six-week recovery period, Jones is looking forward to resuming her work as a daycare assistant. She shared that even the basic act of breathing felt new and required conscious effort initially. Her journey signifies not just a medical triumph but a personal rebirth, moving from being a "bystander" to actively living life.