When Christopher Kennedy went in for a routine X-ray prior to surgery, he expected the visit to be quick and uneventful. However, a technician's observation of scarring in his lungs turned his world upside down. At 68, Kennedy was a retired Air Force technician who led an active lifestyle—he exercised regularly and dedicated his time to landscaping and training his Bernese Mountain dogs as hospital therapy animals. Little did he know, his health was about to take a drastic turn.
After undergoing several tests, a pulmonologist delivered the devastating news: Kennedy was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). This progressive lung disease is characterized by the buildup of scar tissue in the lungs, which severely hampers the ability of oxygen to enter the bloodstream. Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos, a pulmonologist at Johns Hopkins and a medical spokesperson for the American Lung Association, explains that IPF has no known cause and is associated with a high mortality rate.
Initially, Kennedy believed he could overcome this illness. However, as his lung function deteriorated, he came to the harsh realization that his optimism was misplaced. Medications aimed at slowing the progression of fibrosis were ineffective, and simple tasks, like walking to the kitchen, left him gasping for air.
In 2024, Dr. Aman Pande from the Cleveland Clinic confirmed Kennedy's worst fears: he had less than a year to live. "We all wonder, as human beings, how we're going to go," Kennedy reflected. "For the first time in my life, I was told, 'This is how you're going to go.'" However, Dr. Pande offered a glimmer of hope—an opportunity for a double-lung transplant.
Despite being 74 years old, which is older than most transplant candidates, Kennedy was evaluated and found to be a promising candidate. Lung transplants are typically the last resort for IPF patients and can be curative, though recurrence is possible. The idea of surgery was initially daunting for Kennedy, particularly because his younger brother had succumbed to complications from the same procedure. After thorough discussions with Dr. Pande, he decided to proceed with the necessary testing.
After extensive evaluations, Kennedy was approved for the transplant list and began the anxious wait for a suitable set of lungs. As the months rolled on, his condition worsened. His daily oxygen requirement surged from two liters to ten, and he suffered a mild case of COVID-19, resulting in a significant weight loss of over 40 pounds. By October 2025, his health had deteriorated to the point where hospitalization became necessary.
During his hospital stay, Dr. Jason Turkowski, a transplant pulmonologist at Cleveland Clinic, told Kennedy, "You're going to come out one of two ways: with a set of lungs, or we're going to carry you out." This stark reality served as a reminder that every breath he took mattered.
After a month in the hospital, which included two false alarms regarding available lungs, the third time proved to be the charm. On November 15, Kennedy successfully underwent a double-lung transplant. The relief was palpable, though apprehension lingered as he prepared for the surgery. "I can remember the flurry of activity in the operating room. Next thing you know, you're in your recovery room," he recalled.
Remarkably, just hours post-surgery, Kennedy's lung capacity had already improved significantly. Despite facing complications, including a post-surgical infection and a stroke, his resilience and positive outlook played a crucial role in his recovery. Dr. Rachel Powers, who has been involved in his post-transplant care, praised Kennedy's perspective throughout the challenging journey.
Now at 75 years old, Kennedy's life is gradually returning to normal. His lung capacity has soared to an impressive 98%, allowing him to re-engage with family and enjoy activities he once took for granted. He has resumed exercising at home and recently took his dog, Fini, for a walk without losing his breath. Fini, whose name reflects a tribute to Air Force retirement flights, was thought to be Kennedy's last therapy dog, but he plans to welcome a new puppy named Encore to celebrate his renewed life.
Training therapy dogs has gained profound significance for Kennedy following his health challenges. "There are many things that have changed in my life," he noted. "It gives you great perspective on what truly matters." He acknowledged the importance of every breath, stating, "You take every breath for granted, but as soon as they become compromised, you're reminded every breath matters." Kennedy's journey exemplifies resilience, hope, and the transformative power of second chances.
