A double lung transplant not only gave Jennifer Skaggs a second chance at life, but also led her to her future husband. She was introduced to the brother of her organ donor, Travis Ellis, and the two quickly became friends. Their relationship continued to develop into the unexpected love story it is today. Jennifer says none of this would have been possible without Travis’ sister, Jill Ellis, for her generous decision to become an organ donor.
“Becoming an organ donor saves lives. It allows others to create memories that they would not have had without organ donation. It allows others to meet the love of their life, which they would never have had without organ donation.” It wouldn’t have happened,” Jennifer says.
Shortly after Jennifer was born, her family learned that she had a rare genetic disorder called inverse locus, in which the organs in the chest and abdomen develop in reverse anatomical positions. “My heart, stomach, and spleen are on the right side instead of the left side, and my gallbladder and liver are on the left side instead of the right side,” Jennifer explains.
People with this disease may not experience any symptoms or complications. However, we discovered that reverse sitting is frequently seen in a condition called primary ciliary dyskinesia, which Jennifer also had due to frequent sinus infections when she was growing up. Primary ciliary dyskinesia affects the cilia, small hair-like organs that help remove mucus from the body, causing recurrent respiratory infections.
“Ever since I was little, I had constant bouts of pneumonia, asthma, sinus infections, and ear infections,” says Jennifer. “After diagnosis, we were able to start preventive treatment. But we ultimately knew that a lung transplant was in my future.”
Jennifer says she fell in love with her greatest hobby after entering her first pageant. In 2015, she was Ms. West Virginia America. (Courtesy of Jennifer Skaggs)
Jennifer, a former Miss West Virginia, began noticing her condition worsening in 2015 as she was preparing for the Miss America Pageant. During her exercise, she had trouble catching her breath. Years went by and she eventually started needing oxygen around the clock to breathe. Jennifer also had to undergo several hours of breathing therapy each day.
“I used to be very active, but I had to stop that because I was constantly connected to machines. I couldn’t go anywhere except to the doctor,” Jennifer said. Masu. Before her condition worsened, Jennifer had a busy social life and enjoyed volunteering in her community.
In 2018, Jennifer said she was hospitalized 10 out of 12 months. It was revealed that she would need a double lung transplant. Her local doctor referred her to the Cleveland Clinic, where she was placed on her transplant waiting list.
“One day, my youngest nephew said he couldn’t wait until I got better so he could play with me. That just hit me. From that moment on, no matter what, I’ll never forget my transplant.” I was sure I would get it,” says Jennifer.
While on the transplant list, Jennifer continued to battle frequent lung infections. At times, she was so sick that it was unclear whether she would be eligible for a transplant. But after several months of waiting, Jennifer received word that her lungs were available. “When I found out, I immediately threw myself on the floor and started crying,” she recalls.
The day after that call, on September 15, 2019, she met with the clinical team in the operating room. That team included Kenneth McCurry, M.D., a cardiothoracic surgeon and surgical director of the lung transplant and heart-lung transplant programs at the Cleveland Clinic.
“Lung transplants are complex, but we have found that they are even more difficult in patients who are in reverse sitting position, where the right lung is anatomically on the left side and the left lung is anatomically on the right side,” Dr. McCurry said. To tell. They are treated at high-volume centers like the Cleveland Clinic, which performs these cases more frequently and offers a multidisciplinary approach, from the latest surgical techniques to post-operative care, to improve patient outcomes. The success rate is high. ”
Despite the ups and downs, Jennifer says she remains positive and always looks for the good in any situation. Jennifer’s family has also provided support throughout her journey. (Courtesy of Jennifer Skaggs)
The procedure went well, but what followed was a long road to recovery for Jennifer. She began suffering from transplant rejection. Transplant rejection occurs when the body’s immune system treats the transplanted lung as a foreign invader and attacks it. Jennifer eventually developed chronic rejection, which could affect her lung function. She worked with her care team to build and maintain the strength of her lungs through respiratory therapy and medication.
“Since her transplant, Jennifer has been taking good care of herself by living a healthy lifestyle and following her treatment regimens. As a result, the amount of inflammation has decreased and she is able to maintain lung function,” Jennifer said. said Marie Boudev, M.D., a pulmonologist and medical director of the Cleveland Clinic’s Lung Transplant and Heart-Lung Transplant Programs.
“My lung function is declining now, but it’s 100% better than before. Leading up to the transplant, I couldn’t even take a shower without oxygen,” Jennifer says. “I now enjoy life and don’t have to miss out on time with friends and family because of my illness.”
Jennifer said she is grateful to her donor, Jill, who was the first person her family contacted to send her a holiday card after the transplant. Jennifer responded with a six-page letter containing messages from Jennifer and her loved ones expressing their gratitude. After getting to know each other more, Jill’s family eventually traveled from Wisconsin to West Virginia to meet Jennifer in person. That’s when she met Travis.
“When I first met Travis, I thought he was the cutest guy,” Jennifer says. “But I didn’t expect it to turn into anything 1000 years later. Because of the distance, that option wasn’t in my head.”
Jennifer said she wanted to see how committed Travis was to her, so she proposed in July 2023. (Courtesy of Candace Kincaid)
From that first meeting, Jennifer recalls feeling an immediate connection with Travis and his family. She was soon invited to more gatherings. After that, Travis and Jennifer started taking turns visiting each other. Even when they weren’t together, Travis stayed in close contact with Jennifer, updating his family on how she was doing.
“Whenever she was in the hospital, I would check on her to make sure she wasn’t lonely. Everything just happened naturally,” Travis says.
As the two got closer, Jennifer says it became clear that she needed to stay in West Virginia to be near the Cleveland Clinic. Travis was positive about the decision and proposed in July 2023. Jennifer answered emphatically, “Yes!”
While organizing the guest list for her wedding, Jennifer wanted Dr. Budev to attend and invited him to be the guest of honor.
“From the beginning, I felt like everyone I met at Cleveland Clinic took a personal interest in my case. I have such a great team and I couldn’t speak more highly of Dr. Budev.” “She’s like family to me,” Jennifer says.
Dr. Budev added: “I am so lucky and honored to be involved in Jennifer’s care. She has always been so sweet and open that I have always admired her from the day we met.” I was thrilled when she asked me to be the guest of honor. But the real guest of honor is her donor, and she will be there with us in spirit.”
Jennifer says Dr. Budev makes her feel like she is his only patient and is always available to answer her questions and concerns. (Courtesy of Jennifer Skaggs)
Jennifer echoed Dr. Budev’s sentiments, saying none of this would have been possible without her donor. Jill’s family also takes comfort in knowing that their daughter’s legacy lives on through Jennifer and the lives of five more people she saved by becoming an organ donor.
“I’m grateful that my daughter loved people and was willing to die to help someone. I’m also grateful that God and Jill brought us Jennifer. She was Jill’s Not only does she breathe in my lungs, but she also becomes my daughter-in-law,” says Teresa Carle, Jill’s mother.
Jill’s father, Randy Ellis, added: “We lost her daughter, but Jenny gave her life back. Being an organ donor gives someone else a chance to live. It changes people’s lives.”
Jennifer stays in close contact with Dr. Budev and speaks up immediately if she senses something is wrong. By being proactive, Jennifer’s lung function continues to improve and she no longer needs oxygen.
Jennifer is determined to get stronger and live life to the fullest with the benefit of Jill’s lungs. Since her transplant, Jennifer has been able to watch her nieces and nephews grow up, and was able to be there to hold her grandmother’s hand when she died, she said.
Jennifer is looking forward to making new memories with her family and spending time with the love of her life, Travis. (Courtesy of Jennifer Skaggs)
“I encourage all families to talk about organ donation. I hope people never have to face this decision. But if they do, I want to be as prepared as possible and It’s important to know what your loved one wants. There are many ways to register as an organ donor,” says Dr. Budev.
Jennifer added, “Jill saved six lives by becoming an organ donor. To me, that makes her a hero, and who wouldn’t want that? Keeping your legacy alive.” There is no better way.”
Related organization: Respiratory Research Institute
