Meet Sam Kirton
My diagnosis
In the fall of 2016, I developed a persistent cough and was constantly waking up during the night. I became concerned when I was unable to exercise, something I did daily for my entire life. At the time, I thought these changes were simply signs of getting older; however, after seeing a pulmonologist in January 2017, I learned something more serious was happening. On January 31, 2017, I was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
My first thoughts were, “What is IPF, and how severe is my diagnosis?” My wife Susan and I began researching the disease and came across the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF). The PFF is the only organization solely focused on research, education, and support for individuals with pulmonary fibrosis (PF). My pulmonary care team was part of the PFF’s Care Center Network, which assured us that they were experts in treating patients with fibrotic lung diseases. The more information we received from the PFF, the more confident we became in knowing there is hope in living with and fighting this disease.
Through the PFF, I joined multiple support groups including one that was specific to pre-transplant patients. I truly believe that support groups are an undervalued resource for those living with PF and ILD. My pre-transplant support group opened my eyes to all the warning signs that I missed, indicating that there was something seriously wrong with my lungs. The fact that I was not able to continue to exercise or had restless nights were symptoms of my body not receiving the oxygen I so desperately needed.
Receiving my life-changing call
With the guidance I received from my care team and assistance from my PFF support group, I was able to follow a strict regimen that allowed me to be considered for a lung transplant. In March of 2021, I was finally approved to be listed for transplant.
On July 9, 2021, we received the call that would forever change my life. There were lungs available to me, and it was time for my transplant. At the time, COVID-19 was still a threat, so only Susan could come to the hospital with me. When I finally woke up after my surgery, I took my first unassisted breaths, and Susan breathed a sigh of relief.
There is not much I remember from the ten days I was in the hospital after my transplant, but what I do vividly recall is how incredible it felt to get out of bed and walk to the chair in my room. I understood then that I had to be responsible for the gift that I was given. This is a responsibility that I still carry with me to this day.
My responsibility
This sense of obligation has led me to volunteer for the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. I now co-lead the PFF Lung Transplant Community Support Group, and I launched a support group near my home in Virginia for those living with PF called “Coffee Among Friends.” We need to fund the research to understand these diseases better so the PFF can expand its support to those living with them. Please donate today to help find a cure for this disease.
I know that I would not be here if it were not for the support and guidance that I received from the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. I have been given a second chance at making memories with family and friends. Because of this precious gift, I understand the responsibility I have to the pulmonary fibrosis community. I believe each of us has a responsibility to make a difference, and by working together as one team, we will be unstoppable.
Sincerely,
Sam Kirton
PFF Ambassador & PFF Support Group Leader
A letter from Sam's daughter
When my dad told my family and me about his IPF diagnosis, all of us were in disbelief. I had never heard of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and our hearts were breaking as we heard him explain what this diagnosis meant. As each of my family members went down the rabbit hole of finding out as much information about this disease as we could, our hearts broke as we realized there was no cure for this disease.
We understood that even though it was scary to read what other families had experienced after their loved ones had received their diagnosis, we knew we needed to understand this information to help support my favorite person in the world, my dad. It broke my heart to watch this man, who was always ready to go on the next adventure, slowly decline. He eventually had to start using oxygen regularly, walking from room to room in his house became a difficult challenge, and he would lose his breath while having a conversation with someone.
I remember how thankful I was when my dad was approved for his lung transplant and how anxious my family felt while we waited for the call that there were lungs available for him. My brother and I would joke with our father, “It was like waiting for your table at Chili’s to be ready”. Finally, the day came that all of us had been waiting for. I remember being so happy and sobbing to my friends at work that my dad was going to get his new lungs. Before my dad went into his surgery, we spoke on the phone and told each other how much we loved each other. I was both so happy for him in that moment yet so scared that this might be the last time I ever talk to him.
When Susan called to tell us that his procedure went perfectly, I felt this sense of relief as I felt like I was taking my first breath since my dad had received his diagnosis four years earlier. Now when I see my dad walking and doing yard work I cannot help to be amazed by all he has accomplished. I am so thankful for how lucky I am to still have my dad with us. I think about all those who are not as fortunate as my family. I want those whose loved ones have been diagnosed to know that they should never give up and that we are all in this together.
Thank you, Dad, for always being there for me and still being there!
Love,
Heather
