Boonton Woman Celebrates Her Lifesaving Double-Lung Transplant During National Healthy Lung Month
(Boonton, NJ) – As we recognize National Healthy Lung Month this October, Sarah Steinhauser is reflecting on her lifesaving double-lung transplant and advocating for NJ Sharing Network’s mission by encouraging people to register as organ and tissue donors to help save and enhance lives.
On November 4, 2024, Sarah will celebrate her 6-year anniversary since receiving the gift of new lungs, a milestone that transformed her life and gave her a renewed sense of freedom.
“National Healthy Lung Month is a perfect time to remind people how important organ and tissue donation is,” said Sarah. “Without my organ donor, I wouldn’t be here today. I want to honor my donor’s legacy by living life to the fullest and helping others understand the impact of organ and tissue donation.”
According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), over 100,000 Americans are waiting for lifesaving organ transplants, and about 1,000 are in need of lung transplants.
Sarah, now 32, was born with bronchiectasis, a rare condition that severely impacted her lung function from infancy. As a college student at Montclair State University, she required supplemental oxygen to assist with breathing and a feeding tube for nourishment, relying on others to shuttle her between classes. Her health continued to decline in her early twenties, leading to her placement on the waitlist for a double-lung transplant.
In November 2018, Sarah’s life changed forever. A transplant match was found, and she underwent the lifesaving double-lung transplant that she had so desperately needed. Sarah vividly remembers the moment her breathing tube was removed, taking her first deep breath on her own.
“It was mind-blowing. It almost felt like a dream," said Sarah. “The toughest part of my recovery wasn’t physical - it was mentally accepting that I no longer needed that breathing tube. It had been my safety blanket for so long."
Now, nearly six years post-transplant, Sarah’s life has completely transformed. After her transplant, she faced a new challenge: severe compartment syndrome in her legs, which caused debilitating pain and limited her mobility. After several surgeries to relieve the pressure, Sarah is now pain-free and has embarked on a new chapter of physical and personal growth.
Since her transplant, Sarah has achieved remarkable milestones, including completing a challenging 10K Spartan Race in April 2024. She has also embraced new hobbies such as rock climbing, Pilates, kickboxing, soccer, and reading, which have helped her stay active and fulfilled. In addition to her physical pursuits, Sarah has begun traveling more, with recent trips to Canada, the Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas, and she is eagerly anticipating an upcoming adventure to Italy.
“I never imagined I would be running races or traveling the world,” said Sarah. “Thanks to my donor’s gift, I’ve been given a second chance, and I’m determined to make the most of it.”
As she continues to thrive, Sarah also remains dedicated to raising awareness for NJ Sharing Network by volunteering and sharing her story to inspire others.
One organ and tissue donor can save eight lives and enhance the lives of over 75 others. But the need for registered donors is critical, as less than 1% of all deaths meet the specific medical criteria to be an organ donor. This underscores the pressing need for more registered donors. To learn more about organ donation, get involved, and join the National Donate Life Registry, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.
PHOTO CAPTION - Sarah Steinhauser after completing the 10K Spartan Race in April 2024 (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)
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