COVID-19 lung transplant survivor Arthur Sanchez is now celebrating life’s priceless milestones after receiving the gift of life.
A COVID-19 lung transplant survivor shared his powerful story with 12News.
He overcame a difficult journey. Now, he’s celebrating life’s priceless milestones after receiving the gift of life.
“Myself, my sister and my brother-in-law were all in the hospital at the same time. My brother-in-law didn’t fare so well. Unfortunately, he passed away,” said Arthur Sanchez, reflecting on a time his life was at stake five years ago. “It was a tough journey for my family, because we were hit so hard.”
During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, the virus damaged his lungs.
“I ended up getting transported to UNM hospital in Albuquerque,” he said.
Once there, Sanchez underwent treatment on an ECMO machine, typically used as a last resort therapy that takes over for failing lungs.
“There were times at UNM hospital that I had flatlined a couple of times, and so, they brought me back,” he said.
After 93 days, Sanchez was weaned off the machine, but unfortunately, his lungs were severely damaged. Doctors told him a lung transplant was his only option.
“For me to be considered for that and given that option was just another, in my mind, miracle that happened,” he said.
His medical team sought out the Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Norton Thoracic Institute team.
“It was a new challenge for many of us, because we were still exploring the virus as the journey of the pandemic continued,” Dr. Ashwini Arjuna, lung transplant pulmonologist.
Within two weeks of his arrival, the transplant team found a donor match for Arthur.
“Art was one of the first few in the country to get transplanted for post-COVID fibrosis and I think in fact he is the first one in the western United States to get a transplant for post-COVID fibrosis,” said Arjuna.
In April of 2020, Sanchez received the lifesaving double lung transplant at Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center.
“St. Joseph’s Hospital did an amazing job,” he said.
Sanchez is now a living testament to the power of a second chance, as he celebrates five years of miraculous milestones.
“I’m truly blessed to be here,” said Sanchez. “My family is growing… I have a grandbaby now and a grandbaby on the way. I was able to marry off my youngest daughter. My oldest daughter was already married and so, just to experience those things within these past five years have been amazing.”
“To see him five years down the line, doing amazingly well, and being able to enjoy what he thought he had lost is a great satisfaction,” said Arjuna.
His story is a reminder of the complexities we faced during the pandemic, but most importantly, how with the talented medical team’s work, combined with his determination and family support, Arthur was able to make a remarkable recovery.
“I give thanks to the good Lord every day, and every moment I have now going forward has always been great, because I’m here,” said Sanchez.
Arthur continues to return to Phoenix for annual check-ups with his transplant team, and those are always visits that the Norton team looks forward to – to catch up with Arthur and his wife.
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