Danny's Double-Lung Transplant at UF Health

Imagine having the opportunity to save someone’s life by making a simple decision. In 2021, Danny Sams faced the harsh reality of pulmonary fibrosis, a lung condition that threatened his every breath. Today, he breathes through new lungs and embraces life with gratitude and purpose, advocating passionately for organ donation.

Danny's journey of resilience and hope was made possible by the invaluable gift of an organ donor, an individual who, in their passing, gave the ultimate gift of life. Coupled with the expert care provided by UF Health — nationally recognized for its outstanding outcomes in lung transplantation — Danny’s story underscores the life-changing impact of organ donation and the crucial role played by institutions like UF Health in facilitating these lifesaving procedures.

What is pulmonary fibrosis?

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, or IPF, is a lung condition characterized by the scarring or thickening of lung tissues without a known cause. It may result from the lung’s response to unidentified substances or injuries, possibly influenced by genetic factors. IPF typically affects individuals between 60 and 70 years old, with a higher incidence in men.

Symptoms include chest pain, dry cough, shortness of breath during activity, fatigue, and gradual weight loss. Diagnosis involves physical exams, imaging tests like high-resolution chest CT scans, pulmonary function tests, and sometimes biopsy.

While there’s no cure for IPF, treatments aim to manage symptoms and slow disease progression. In advanced cases, lung transplantation may be considered. Support groups can offer valuable emotional support and resources for individuals and their families coping with IPF.

Danny’s diagnosis

Danny began noticing something wasn't quite right when he found himself struggling to catch his breath during everyday activities.

"I thought it was just a symptom of getting old," said Danny, who continued to push through his daily routines for years.

Simple tasks like lifting something heavy or mowing the lawn left him feeling exhausted and short of breath. Even short walks from his house to his truck, a mere 20 yards away, would leave him gasping for air.

Danny’s symptoms escalated when he contracted COVID-19 in 2021, making his breathing difficulties even more pronounced and prompting him to seek medical attention. A CT scan led to Danny being diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis at age 65.

His world was shaken, and he began worrying about how many years he had left to live. At his next appointment, Danny’s pulmonologist eased his concerns, explaining the major advances made in pulmonary fibrosis treatments in the last 10 years and that while his condition could not be stopped, it could be slowed significantly with appropriate medication.

Over the next few months, Danny’s medication was not effective and providers determined he would eventually need a bilateral (double) lung transplant. His pulmonologist recommended UF Health, one of the nation's leading centers for lung transplants. Despite such an overwhelming prognosis, Danny remained steadfast in his resolve to fight his condition.

"I'm gonna do whatever it takes to fight this affliction that I have,” Danny said. “I'm gonna fight it. When I die, I'm gonna die on my own terms."

Preparing for the transplant

The journey toward a lung transplant was a rollercoaster of emotions for Danny. For three to four months, only his wife, Kim, knew about his condition.

“The last thing you want is for people to pity you,” Danny said, “but you need to have a support system.”

From the initial shock of the diagnosis to the eventual acceptance of the need for a transplant, every step was met with a mix of uncertainty and courage. Danny was intent to fight his condition, and his resilience was matched by the support and expertise of his team at UF Health Shands Hospital.

After seeing a pulmonologist at UF Health and receiving a high-definition CT scan, which confirmed his condition, Danny underwent a rigorous evaluation process, including a week of appointments and tests, to determine his eligibility for a transplant. This week is known as “hell week” among patients as there are several medical examinations per day, but Danny said he, in fact, had a good time during the evaluation because UF Health’s medical staff made it a positive experience.

“The nurses were wonderful,” Danny said. “They made us feel like we were family already.”

Danny’s evaluation was successful, but he still needed to meet a few criteria before he was put on the transplant waitlist, including the daunting challenge of losing 50 pounds to meet the BMI requirement for surgery. His medical team assured Danny they would take care of everything else, but only he was in control of his weight.

“You’re a perfect candidate for a lung transplant,” the pulmonologist said. “There are just a couple things we need to fix.”

While Danny was waiting to be added to the transplant list, he was given an oxygen machine to support his lungs. He also had weekly meetings with a support group, started the rehab process by working out in a pulmonary rehab facility and began his weight loss journey.

Weight loss journey

Despite Danny’s reluctance toward dieting, he committed himself to the task of losing 50 pounds.

“I’m horrible at dieting. I have no willpower,” he admitted.

Nonetheless, he persevered, recognizing the importance of this task in his journey toward a lifesaving lung transplant. It was a journey marked by determination as Danny took control of what he could amid the uncertainty of his medical condition.

Danny sought solace in his treadmill. With ’70s rock blasting through his headphones, he’d walk, sweat pouring, at 3 mph in his hot garage. When oxygen became necessary, he didn’t hesitate, cranking up his machine to 10 liters per minute. Each session left him drenched, but he persisted, embracing the mantra of “no pain, no gain.”

Over the course of a year, Danny shed 50 pounds, inching closer to his goal, one 5-pound victory at a time.

Coaching amid adversity

Coaching played a pivotal role in Danny's journey, providing him with a sense of purpose and fulfillment despite the challenges he faced. In spring 2022, a friend offered him the opportunity to help coach the East Ridge High School football team, a role he eagerly embraced while still being on the deferred list for a lung transplant.

Coaching since his late 40s, Danny was always the oldest coach on the team, but that didn’t deter him from imparting valuable life skills on the players. He wanted to instill discipline and resilience in the young athletes, pushing them to excel both on and off the field. His dedication paid off when the team experienced a resurgence, winning games after a two-year drought.

For Danny, coaching was about more than just winning games. It was about helping young boys navigate the tumultuous journey to manhood. Although he was dealing with his own health struggles, Danny demonstrated his unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

At football practice in fall 2022, almost two years after his initial diagnosis, Danny received a life-altering call from UF Health.

“Danny, do you really want to do a lung transplant?”

“Yes!” Danny said.

“Well, you’re on the list.”

Danny felt like his legs were going to give out under the weight of the moment. It was a conversation that would forever change the course of his life, marking the beginning of his journey toward a new lease on life.

A few months later, in early 2023, a donor was found.

Facing surgery and recovery

The day of Danny’s lung transplant surgery was a whirlwind of emotions. Despite the fear and uncertainty, there was trust and hope. As he woke up in the intensive care unit after his 11-hour surgery, surrounded by the faces of his loved ones and the medical team who had cared for him, Danny felt an overwhelming sense of relief.

“I made it. I’m on the other side,” Danny remembers thinking, thanks to his team of experts, including Mindaugas Rackauskas, MD, PhD, thoracic and lung transplant surgeon.

The physical trauma of the surgery left him sore and restricted in movement, but as his breathing tube was removed, Danny experienced a rush of excitement and relief as he took his first breath with his new lungs, thinking, “Wow! These things work!”

The journey through recovery was guided by the expertise and care of his nursing team, which helped Danny stand up and begin the process of rehabilitation. One of Danny’s most memorable and therapeutic moments from his recovery was when his nurses Amy and Kristen coordinated a walk outside of the hospital with his beloved dog, Zeke, four days after surgery.

Danny worked diligently, aided by the fitness regimen he established in the four months leading up to the transplant.Walking became his primary focus, and he quickly progressed from needing support to walking unassisted.

“The bed was my enemy,” Danny said.

The support and encouragement of the rehab team propelled Danny forward, leading to an early discharge from the hospital after just one month. By the time he left, Danny had transitioned from relying on 8 liters of oxygen per minute to walking unassisted, a testament to his remarkable progress.

Outpatient rehabilitation and continued physical activity, including hiking and weightlifting, further enhanced Danny’s recovery. His dedication to his rehab program, coupled with the guidance of his physicians and the transplant rehab team at UF Health, ensured that Danny exceeded expectations every step of the way.

After just two months and incredible rehab results, Danny was sent home to Clermont, Florida, ready to embrace life with renewed vigor and gratitude.

In addition to his medical and rehab team, Danny credits his wife, Kim, with aiding in his speedy recovery, acting as his primary advocate and in-home caregiver. From making sure he had all his medications to driving him where he needed to be for three months, she was his rock.

“I couldn’t have done this without her,” Danny said.

Gratitude and advocacy

Today, Danny is filled with gratitude for the gift of life he’s been given, but his journey doesn’t end with his transplant surgery.

Danny’s experience has inspired him to become a passionate advocate for organ donation. He wants others to know the incredible impact they can have by choosing to become organ donors. As he looks toward the future, Danny is determined to make the most of every moment.

Danny is committed to staying connected with UF Health, knowing that his health care team’s support will be crucial as he navigates the road ahead. Whether it’s attending follow-up appointments or participating in support groups, Danny knows he’s not alone.

Through his own experience, he has learned the importance of sharing his story with others and hopes to inspire those facing similar situations, knowing that each breath is a gift.

Danny’s outcome was made possible by the gift of life from organ donation. If you are interested in becoming an organ donor, visit DonateLifeFlorida.org/register.

The UF Health Lung Transplant Program consistently ranks in the top 10 nationwide on various quality metrics by the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients, or SRTR. The most recent data released in January 2024 placed UF Health No. 1 in 3-year patient survival and No. 5 in waitlist mortality among 74 lung transplant programs in the country. Find more information.