For Dave, a well-known retired teacher, longtime coach, volunteer, and proud husband, father, and grandfather, staying active has always been a big part of life. Even after retiring, he continued coaching and substitute teaching—something he loved—until breathing issues made it too challenging to keep up.
From Waiting to Living Again—The Impact of Organ Donation
What began as occasional shortness of breath gradually became a daily struggle. “I started seeing a pulmonologist about 7 or 8 years ago,” Dave shared. “My condition continued to worsen, and eventually, I was on oxygen 24 hours a day, which made it even harder to go out and do the things I enjoyed.”
On the Transplant List and Hoping for a Match
Two years ago, Dave was officially diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung condition that makes it increasingly difficult to breathe. As his condition progressed, Dave was evaluated for a lung transplant. Because of previous open-heart surgery 15 years earlier, he wasn’t eligible for a double lung transplant—but doctors determined a single lung transplant on his right side was possible. On January 15, 2025, Dave was officially added to the transplant registry.
The call came less than two months later—on March 5. “It wasn’t a guaranteed match, but it felt like answered prayers,” Dave said. “We were cautiously optimistic and hopeful. At the same time, it was bittersweet knowing this gift came because someone else had lost a loved one.”
A Walk to Remember and the Road to Recovery
The transplant surgery took place on Friday, March 7. Just three to four days later, Dave reached a moment he’ll never forget: his first walk with physical therapy, using hardly any oxygen.
Dave made rapid progress and was proud to be discharged just a week and a half after surgery—well ahead of the typical three-week hospital stay. He and his wife had already relocated to the Twin Cities for three months to stay near the University of Minnesota Fairview, where he continued his recovery. While a few setbacks are common after a transplant, being close gave him access to his specialized care team for timely treatment.
Recovery can take up to a year, but Dave is already back to doing the things he loves. “I went camping a few times this summer, I get to see live music again, and once I’m cleared to fly, I’m planning a trip to the Caribbean next spring,” he shared.
To Those Waiting: Hard Truths, Honest Advice, and the Power of Persistence
His advice to anyone going through the transplant process? Be ready for the challenges—and don’t give up.
“Recovery is hard, harder than I thought. And if one door closes, keep pushing. I was turned down for a transplant at one place after working with them for two years. But then I met someone at the U of M who said, ‘I’ll do everything I can to get you listed.’ She did. We met weekly, and she advocated for me. That support made a big difference.”
Why Organ Donation Matters
Dave also wants others to understand how critical organ donation is. “Do it. Seventeen people die every day because they don’t get a transplant. In Minnesota alone, over 2,200 people are waiting.”
His story is one of perseverance, hope, and the power of second chances. It’s also a powerful reminder of what’s possible—when people say yes to donation, when care teams go the extra mile, and when someone keeps moving forward, one step and one breath at a time.
Interested in Becoming an Organ Donor
Learn how organ donation works and how to register officially in Donate Life: What You Need To Know. As Dr. Haus says, “You can become a registered organ donor in the time it takes to drink a cup of coffee.”