Kelly Draganov

Lung Recipient

Having reached end-stage Cystic Fibrosis at the age of 43, Kelly was in desperate need of a life-saving double lung transplant. After being turned away by three centers and refusing to take ‘no’ for an answer, she was finally accepted at the University of Texas Medical Branch. 

“With every breath, I am grateful to my donor and her family for the ultimate gift of life,” shared Kelly.  

“I was med-evacuated from North Carolina while sedated and on a ventilator to Galveston, Texas. I woke up five surgeries, four weeks, and two new lungs later. As a result of the medication I needed, I was now deaf. I was away from my home and family in Charleston for the better part of a year, including a lengthy recovery. Every single minute was worth it to be able to breathe easier and enjoy the life I have today. 

Perhaps the most remarkable part of my story is the powerful network of support that surrounded my family and me. My husband, Kyle, posted daily updates to our Facebook group, which had over 800 members from around the world, all sending words of encouragement. Family, friends, and strangers alike provided meals, child and pet care, housecleaning, yard upkeep, plane tickets for my family to visit me in Texas, and donations for transplant-related costs.  One friend even organized a blood drive in my honor, which was great because I had received over 70 units of blood throughout my transplant journey. Best of all, most of these people are now registered organ donors who continue to spread the word about the importance of organ donation.  

Though my transplant experience was by far the most challenging thing I’ve ever done in my life, the rewards are countless. In the seven years since my transplant, I have thrived.  

When I was in rehab after my transplant, my doctor recommended that I find an ‘eccentric’ form of exercise so I wouldn’t get bored. I mentioned that I had always wanted to try aerial dance, but I wasn’t sure if that was possible, especially given my hearing loss. I’ve now been taking aerial dance for four years and love it! I went from learning how to walk again after my transplant to learning to fly in aerial dance class.  

I believe I have a responsibility to honor my donor’s memory and steward the gift I’ve been given by living my life fully with dignity, compassion, and a grateful heart. I welcome opportunities to pay forward the kindness shown to my family and the generosity of my donor hero and her family.”