This year to honor my lung transplant donor, Chris, I decided to do something spontaneous and fun. April 18th marked the 7 anniversary of my double lung transplant and to express my gratitude and zest for life I celebrated by plunging into the ice cold waters of Brooklyn, NY.

Living my life post-transplant has made me grateful for so many things – the amazing people I have in my life, my “kids” – the pole vaulters I get to coach, my colleagues, family, and my ability to wake up each morning and take huge breath of fresh air. It’s impossible to put into words just how thankful I am for your sacrifice and for signing up to be an organ donor.

You saved me. 

You extended my life. 

You changed everything.

Thank you for these seven years Chris, and cheers to seven more!