DEVA'S SECOND CHANCE

The following is a photo essay William created in 2003. It concentrates on a day in the life of lung transplant recipient Deva Randall. The aim is to reveal her post-operative reality. Important to the essay are arresting images that alert viewers of the overall life changes organ recipients undergo physically as well as spiritually. The hope of the project is to inspire more people to give blood or consider becoming organ and tissue donors.

As Deva sat studying the photo of her donor, Susie,
her mind filled with the question she most wants to avoid:
"Why should one so young have to die in order that I get to live?"

I can only assume that this is one of the many questions that continue to haunt donor recipients. However, such a question is not to be misunderstood as ingratitude, but rather the crux presented to those given a second chance at life at the expense of an other's life.

We can appreciate that this is not an easy matter and the reality of living with organs donated from one deceased radically defines the thoughts and actions of donor recipients.

Prior to her lung transplant, Deva underwent the relatively new Lung Reduction procedure. This surgery entails removing some of the more diseased portion of the lung, thereby increasing the available space in the chest cavity. This provides room sot that the flattened diaphragm of the emphysema patient can assume a more normal shape. This makes it easier for the diaphragm to function—allowing for more efficient intake of oxygen and removal of carbon dioxide. The results can include: diminished shortness of breath, greater exercise tolerance, and a better quality of life.

Deva bears a tell-tale scar from the lung transplant surgery.

Deva sits quietly contemplating her medications, including the essential Gengraft, which keeps her body from rejecting her donor lung. She takes nearly twenty pills daily. This assortment of drugs serve to stabilize her body in order that she may live a quality life without suffering a setback.

Each day, Deva is required to check her vital statistics.

Then, she enters these statistics into her CURAMED connection system. This device sends a FAX report to her physician's office and if her numbers do not appear as they should, a health care provider contacts her at her home.

Now entering her third year with a new lung, Deva is dedicated to a healthy diet. She abhors sweets and fatty foods.

Deva is also committed to walking several miles each day, practicing yoga and doing weight training activities.

Despite the challenges that being transplant recipient provides, Deva leads an active life. She has three healthy grandchildren with whom she loves to spend time.

She enjoys knitting other activities.





She is grateful that God has given her a second chance.

Prior to the surgery, Deva purchased her tombstone and had it installed at the cemetery, not thinking she had much longer to live. Now, with a new lease on life, she perches cheerfully upon the stone.

When asked how long she would like to live, Deva answered energetically, "As long as I can. I never thought I would make it this far." She pauses, then adds, "I'd like to live to seventy. I think that is a good age."

—William F. Gentry II

Five years later, Deva is still enjoying an active life in her hometown of McGregor, Iowa. She is getting closer and closer to seventy.

Visit the American Lung Association Web site
to learn more about lung transplantation.

To learn how you can become an organ and tissue donor,
visit the US Government site.