Chris Kennedy faced a life-changing decision in the fall of 2024. In 74, his lungs failed, and his options were limited.
Chris' decision was difficult at first. A few years ago, his younger brother was facing serious complications after double lung transplantation of a similar morphology of interstitial lung disease (ILD), a group of conditions that cause lung inflammation and scarring. The experience left a lasting impression on Chris, making it difficult to navigate his own journey to porting.
“I was afraid to go through the same thing,” says Chris, a longtime resident of Fairview Park, Ohio. “I was like, 'No, I'm in good condition. I can beat this.' Well, you can't beat it by just exercising. ”
After 28 years of service as a navigator for the C-130 Hercules military transport, after resigning from the Ohio Air National Guard in 2000, Chris devoted much of his time to raising and training the Bernese Mountain Dogs for medical visits at local hospitals. For over 20 years, he has been a dedicated volunteer at Cleveland Clinic's Compassionate Dog Program.
Chris served with the Ohio Air National Guard for 28 years. (Courtesy: Chris Kennedy)
Every day, as part of their training, Chris actively walked his dog around the park near his home. On one of his 2018 walks, accompanied by three Berners Mountain Dogs he owned at the time, he first discovered he was experiencing breathing difficulties.
“I'm really beyond my breath as to some of the trends that were once easy.” Ultimately, he was no longer able to continue training his dogs or take them with him on patient visits.
Chris continued his rather strict weight training regimen and saw his lung function steadily decline over the course of five years despite riding a recumbent bike. Then in 2024 he and his wife Ava were soaked in a steeper slope in the months before initial consultation with Aman Pande (Maryland), a pulmonary surgeon at Cleveland Clinic.
“He told me, 'You may not have lived in the past this year,'” recalls Chris. “My jaw fell. It was a shock! We all fought throughout our lives, but this was the first time I'd realized that it could end soon.”
Chris and AVA have been married for 53 years. (Courtesy: Chris Kennedy)
Chris clearly remembers Dr. Pande walking around the desk, sitting near him and Ava. “He told us, 'We have options, we have hope.' He could think that he was very encouraging, as I was in good condition, in addition to my lung condition. ”
“Patients like Chris often benefit from subtle care — in light of the results of a biopsy — as a variety of lung diseases require a customized treatment plan after the initial diagnosis,” says Dr. Pande.
Having an expert on interstitial lung disease is essential for navigating conditions like Chris. They work closely with pulmonologists and other care team members to ensure a comprehensive and personalized treatment approach.
But by the time Chris saw Dr. Pande, he barely couldn't walk and had a certain amount of oxygen support, he had a limited choice.
Chris walked after undergoing a double lung transplant at the Cleveland Clinic. (Courtesy: Chris Kennedy)
After being appointed Dr. Pande, Chris and Ava met in fourth grade and have been married for 53 years, but sat for honest and sincere conversation.
“Ava and I looked at each other and said, 'I'm not ready to leave you and our family.' And she said, “I don't want you to leave.” So I said, “It's settling down!”
After undergoing a comprehensive set of tests, Chris was officially approved in the porting program. Committed to maintaining his physical fitness, he endured his routine of exercising four times a week, even if his lung function continued to deteriorate.
“It was tough, but the stronger I get involved in the implant surgery, the more I'll end it,” Chris said.
AVA and FINI visit Chris at Cleveland Clinic during recovery. (Courtesy: Chris Kennedy)
Chris went through a successful double lung transplant surgery performed by cardiothoracic surgeon James Yun, MD, on November 15, 2024. Chris slowly and steadily continues to regain his strength. He is able to walk up and down the stairs to the basement, resumes his weight training and cycling routine, enjoying his time with AVA and two children, the child's spouse and four grandchildren.
“At Cleveland Clinic, we are fortunate to have the expertise and experience in caring for complex cases like Chris,” says Dr. Yun. “It's really exciting to see him regain his strength and return to an active lifestyle. His progress is testament to his determination, as well as his commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for all patients.”
Son and Daughter and Chris on Father's Day 2025 (Courtesy: Chris Kennedy)
He and Ava currently have one dog, Fini. The name stands for “finishing”. Because he believed he would be the last dog he would train. However, while waiting for the transplant for seven months, Chris set a goal. If the implant is successful, he will raise and train another treatment dog.
As Chris' progress continues, he will be recertified as a therapy dog handler in September 2025. The Kennedy Family will soon welcome a new therapy dog named Encore's new Therapy Dog. Chris urges others facing a daunting medical diagnosis to retain hope.
FINI is Chris and Therapy Dog certified. (Courtesy: Chris Kennedy)
“The transformative and selfless gift of Cleveland Clinic and organ donation has redefine the meaning of hope for me,” reflects Chris. “When you are facing terminal illness and feel like there is no path forward, and then someone offers you a real opportunity in life, it's when hope takes a whole new importance.
He paused and smiled, “Yes, that was difficult, but life is so valuable!”
Related Research Institutes: Respiratory Research Institute, Heart, Vascular & Chest Research Institute (Miller Family)
