New Breath of Life

To all of you who know our father, Pat Henehan; the quick to kindness, slow to judgement, handyman, friend, wise, breath of fresh air in any room, profoundly positive and one of a kind family man, thank you. We thank you because in so many ways you are all an extension of our family; from the multifaceted ways you all came into our lives and supported us through life, graduations, birthdays, and milestones, you have unforgettably enriched our lives simply with your presence and encouragement, thank you. The connection we feel to you all is so special, and so important in this ever fast paced and chaotic world.

 

   As many of you know, and for those of you who don’t, two years ago dad was diagnosed with Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis; an extremely aggressive form of lung disease. Two years of misdiagnosed frustration and seemingly endless doctors’ visits, all while the disease continued to wreak irreparable damage to his lungs, forcing him to be confined to an oxygen concentrator day and night. We will never forget when Mom and Dad broke the news to us, weeks before Christmas, that this was the beginning of a very scary journey, and so grim the prognosis, dad was at the top of the lung transplant list. We numbly made it through Christmas, telling ourselves, praying it would get better, everything would be ok. Many of you watched, saddened, as this capable and strong man very quickly and suddenly was restricted in such a way that would dampen even the strongest willed spirit. Quickly his lungs deteriorated, but never his spirit, and fight on he did. There were good days, and many bad ones too, but that never kept our dad from pushing and fighting through with such resilience. He always said to us, “That which does not kill you, makes you stronger”, and this is not the first time we have heard those words. Quiet resilience has always been our dads strongest suit; days before his 30th birthday, he was stabbed in a carjacking, puncturing his lung. So serious the trauma, he had to be airlifted to Loma Linda trauma hospital, where doctors worked day and night to save his life, and save him they did. We were just youngsters then, and thank God for those doctors who gifted us a childhood with our dad. The effects of that devastating event never truly healed, and now here we are, nearly 30 years later. From a young age we have all understood how precious this life is, how, in an instant it can all change. Dad doesn’t talk much about when he was stabbed, unwilling to risk being perceived “attention seeking”. Yet how important it is to know ones’ trials, the hardest of them, the ones that keep our own lives in perspective wondering how those derive their strength; enduring relentlessly.
 
   The day we got “the call”, that fateful day, that moment meant one life ended with the opportunity of a new beginning for our dad. Tears seemed never-ending; for fear of the unknown. What is next? What this means? Will this work? Bi-lateral lung transplants are very intricate; any problem, seemingly innocuous can be life threatening. For 17 hours a team of surgeons worked around the clock until exhaustion for a man they didn’t know, to relieve him of the disease, and a second chance at life. Recovery has been very difficult. Many ups and downs, with not much in between; 43 days and still in the hospital, in and out of ICU has been an arduous ride to say the least. Dad couldn’t eat for 22 days, lost 30 lbs, uncomfortable, and frustrated. We sat around him the first time potato soup touched his lips; his eyes welled in tears of joy, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Isn’t it funny the little day to day things we take for granted?

   The 24 hour round the clock care our dad has received is second to none, and we will forever be indebted in gratitude to the team at UCLA Ronald Regan Medical Center Cardiac and Thoracic Unit for this being possible. Greatest news of all is, the issues that have arisen are in no way due to rejection, his new lungs are working beautifully, however there were significant complications along the way which has extended his hospital stay. This is just the beginning of the journey, the most difficult paths have yet to emerge; but fight on he will. By the grace of God, and support of family and friends we will get through this together.

   Many have reached out offering what they can do to help, and we ask now more than ever for your support, those who are in a position to donate, to help assist in the cost of medical expenses. We have set forth a goal to raise $20,000.00 with our friends, family, and community for one of the most deserving individuals who has always devoted himself to serving in faith, fellowship, and friendship. The money we set forth to raise will go towards cost of surgery, extended hospital stay, home health care, and dialysis. Your contribution will help ease the financial stress our family does not want our dad to feel burdened with, and we cannot do this alone. We humbly ask you all to help us. For those of you reading this who cannot give financially, your continued prayers and well wishes are a beautiful gift and we ask you to keep those prayers coming. It can be at times difficult to ask for help, yet sometimes, even the most difficult of things have a tendency to impact the greatest; so please share this with all of your friends and family members to help get the word out, a few dollars per person has the ability to positively affect change in the life of a man who has touched the lives of so many. WE love you all so very much, and look forward to seeing you all throughout our father’s recovery.

 
To your health and happiness,


Thank you


 Love, The Henehans