(Photo, left) Lung transplant recipient David Chesterfield with transplant coordinators, Meg Fregoso, NP, and Kara Germano, NP.In April 2011, I was having breathing issues and was directed by my primary care physician to see Dr. Dicicco, a pulmonologist at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital. After a year of testing I was told I had idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). I had been on oxygen 24/7 and he recommended that I enroll in the pulmonary rehab program at Inova Fairfax Hospital and try to qualify for a lung transplant. I began rehab in July 2012 and was surprised how much of my strength I had lost.

In 2004, after several misdiagnoses, I learned I had IPF [Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis] at age 38. A year later I was listed for a lung transplant at Inova Fairfax Hospital. Another year passed and, unfortunately, I had to be taken off the list because I was diagnosed with breast cancer. An awesome oncology team went to bat for me and I had a single mastectomy. Once cancer free, I was so happy to be placed back on the transplant list and eight days later, May 8, 2006, was transplanted with a single lung at age 40. The transplant was successful for about one week.

Ed and Mare Swift at the Coast Guard Ball in November 2014.I was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in spring 2010 after having chronic breathing difficulties, a bout with pneumonia, countless x-rays and a right lung biopsy. The disease had completely taken over my right lung and was half way through my left one. Later that year I was prescribed home oxygen and once I needed it 24/7, I knew I had to quit my job. My pulmonologist at Walter Reed Hospital had done all he could do to help me (although he never told me how grim my situation was).

The nurse from Inova Fairfax Hospital called me at work on Tuesday afternoon, April 1, 2008. “We have a lung for you,” she said. “How soon can you get here?” By 4 a.m. on Wednesday, I was resting in Intensive Care with my, well, not new, but previously owned lung. Some of my long-time coworkers were curious what it was like to go through an organ transplant process. I’m sharing my experience. It’s the first time I was ever truly impressed with modern medical advances. How Did I Get to Need a Transplant? I was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in 2004.

Cystic Fibrosis Patient's Repiratory Failure Turns to "Miracle Story" After Critical Transplant Decision Inova's advanced technologies, dedicated patient care, and Jackie's persevering attitude and spirit have been the keys to her success. It doesn't get more critical than the situation Jackie Price, age 25, faced in June of 2016. Born at Inova, Jackie has been treated for advanced cystic fibrosis there since 2014 when she also began evaluation for a lung transplant. That day in June, Jackie was admitted for a fairly routine sinus surgery.

Transplant Recipient Runs With Olympic Torch Inova Fairfax Hospital is very proud to know James "Jimbo" Benjamin. The Front Royal resident, McDonald's worker and first recipient of a successful double lung transplant at Inova Fairfax Hospital was one of 14,000 runners selected to carry the Olympic torch on its 13,500 mile journey to Salt Lake City, Utah, site of the 2002 Winter Olympics. James ran with the torch for two-tenths of a mile in Arlington, VA, on a winter's day in December. The day also marked his 37th birthday.

I had been an athlete all my life, so I was excited about joining the "The Sergeant's Program" in the fall of 1999. Their slogan, "Be all you used to be," made me want to prove that at age 58, I "still had it." This military-type workout was conducted outdoors five mornings a week. To successfully complete the program, one had to run a mile in less than eight minutes, do 50 consecutive pushups, 100 consecutive crunches and at least seven pullups. The calisthenics were no problem for me.

John and Jutta Brooks celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2008. It was a celebration that simply could not have occurred if John had not undergone a successful lung transplant at Inova several years ago.  John and Jutta met in May 1955 in post-war Germany where John was stationed with the U.S. Army. They married in February 1958 and spent the next 20 years traveling the globe while raising their four children. John served in both the Korean and Vietnam wars.

Karen Nichols in 2014, traveling and following her own advice -- to "choose joy every day." Historically, I was a very healthy person except for my weight. I never smoked. My only hospital stays were to have my tonsils removed at age five and to give birth to my children. I went out three nights a week and traveled about 30 percent of the time. In August 2010, I had a cold that did not end. I commuted via public transportation and found it difficult to walk more than a block. I had a full physical and was seen by specialists. Test results showed all to be quite well except for my lungs.

Lolly Gilmore (far left, in green slacks, holding a camera) celebrates her 10th anniversary post lung transplant with jubilant family and friends. Lolly Gilmore from Midlothian, VA, underwent a single lung transplant on May 8, 1999. Now, nearly ten years to the day, she happily celebrated a decade of renewed health and vigor with a large group of her friends and family. Lolly is responsible for nominating Dr.