Man receives lung transplant as Valentine’s Day present

ARAB, Ala. (WAFF) – This Valentine’s Day marks the fourth anniversary of an Arab man being given a second chance at life.

Lung transplant recipient Kevin Huckabee shares his health journey and the story of the woman whose life was changed by his sacrifice.

“Right before the transplant, my lung function was at 17 percent,” Huckabee said.

Kevin Huckabee was born with cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease that can harm the lungs.

Huckabee said she had a normal childhood despite her illness, even though her life expectancy was shorter than most.

But after losing three family members as an adult, Huckabee says her health began to decline.

“I used to sit at home and look out the window. It was pretty tough. It just made me realize where I was in life, mentally and physically.” Huckabee said.

In January 2020, Huckabee was enrolled at Vanderbilt University and on the waiting list for a new lung transplant.

Just a month later, on February 13, he received a life-changing phone call.

“The woman on the other end of the phone asked me, ‘So, are you ready to get new lungs today?'” Of course, I said, “Yes, I am.” Ta. “It was very moving because someone had to die at that moment when they were given the will to live,” Huckabee said.

Huckabee’s lung transplant surgery took place on Valentine’s Day 2020.

His new lungs were donated by Callie Smelser, who passed away after a bad fall a few days earlier. Callie’s stepfather, Joey Miller, said the pain of her loss still lingers, but that Callie’s sacrifice touched both of her families.

“I felt really peaceful and calm after we experienced how she had actually helped people. I can’t say I did it, but thanks to her, I’ve become an organ donor.” I can say that it has become,” Miller said.

Miller said Curry’s heart and other organs were donated to people on the list. Huckabee said Curry’s gift brought her two families together.

“For me, it was like closing the loop of love that I needed. They accepted me warmly, so I’m very grateful. They basically supported me and my They accepted me as part of their family,” Huckabee said.

Huckabee is now in much better health and works as a real estate agent in the Marshall County area. He says he could not have completed this journey without the love and support of his wife and children.

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