The Sunnyvale Sun
News
Double-lung transplant patient bicycles to increase awareness
By ELIZABETH DUTKIEWICZ
What began as a diagnosis of bronchitis in late 1996 developed into something greater for Sunnyvale resident Marilyn Hom. After months of treatment, a biopsy in early 1997 revealed end-stage idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a disease of unknown origin where the immune system attacks the lungs, causing scarring and preventing the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Patients must rely on artificial oxygenation as breathing becomes labored over time. Eventually, a lung transplant is necessary.
On July 8, several years after the diagnosis and a successful double-lung transplant, Hom rode in the Bike for Breath held in Foster City. The annual ride is sponsored by Breathe California's Golden Gate Public Health Partnership, a nonprofit organization that promotes education to prevent lung illnesses.
The organization also supports research to find improved treatments and cures for many lung diseases, with money raised staying in Northern California. This year, 700 riders raised $120,000 to combat lung ailments.
Hom first learned of the Bike for Breath ride from a fellow double-lung transplant recipient four years ago. She joined "Team Second Wind." The team raised more than $4,000.
At times, the team has had up to five lung-transplant recipients participating and as many as 35 riders. All participants began the ride from the Applied BioSystems facility, a major sponsor of the ride.
"I took it for granted that I would always be able to ride whenever I wanted to," Hom said. "Once my lung disease became prevalent, I wasn't able to ride, especially while I was on supplemental oxygen prior to my transplant."
Her motivation for registering for Bike for Breath as a member of Team Second Wind was not only to support Breathe California, but also to prove to herself that she could ride again after her transplant.
Pre-transplant, Hom was constantly out of breath and on supplemental oxygen. She could not travel by plane or to high altitudes without significant discomfort.
After the diagnosis, she joined the Lung Transplant Support Group at Stanford Hospital. Through this group, she was able to meet, talk to, and get advice from other transplant recipients afflicted with the same illness. Hom observed what life could be after the transplant.
After receiving a double-lung transplant at Stanford Hospital on July 24, 2001, Hom has reached a milestone in lung transplantation by surviving five years. To receive a lung, an individual must be strong enough to get through the surgery and recovery.
The rigorous evaluation involved a physical test to determine that all she needed were new lungs, a psychological evaluation to make certain she would work to stay healthy after the transplant and a support component to prove the she had a support system that would nurture her through the process.
"My family has been my rock, and I wouldn't be here and doing this well without all of their love and support," said Hom. Although it was ultimately her decision to receive the transplant, Hom's family made it clear they would help her through it.
Today, Hom is once again able to travel, hike, bike and play Ping-Pong. "I can enjoy all the things I use to do pre-illness," she said. She has walked in parades and ridden in charity bike rides, such as Bike for Breath, to raise awareness. However, she will be on anti-rejection medication for the rest of her life.
More than 92,000 people in the United States are on the waiting list for a life-saving organ transplant. Seventeen people die every day while waiting for an organ. Hom has great gratitude toward the family that approved their loved one's organ donation, and gave Hom the gift of life.
To register to become an organ donor, sign up on-line at www.donateLIFEcalifornia.org. To support clean air and help prevent or find the cure for lung disease, make a donation to Breathe California at 2171 Junipero Serra Blvd., Suite 720, Daly City, CA 94014 or online at www.bike4breath.org.
