OVER the past decade, Wu Yue, aged 36, has adeptly managed a fine equilibrium within her immune system, striking a balance that keeps her body strong enough to ward off viruses while preventing the rejection of her transplanted organs.

Wu has been the recipient of two double lung transplants. The initial operation took place in August 2013, after she was diagnosed with a severe lung disease. Five years subsequent to the first, she underwent a second transplant. The lungs from two altruistic donors were transplanted into her, acting as a lifeline that extended her life. Wu cherishes each breath, considering it a precious gift.

Adopting a careful lifestyle is essential for Wu, involving daily medication intake, regular hospital visits, and avoiding extended walking sessions. Despite these hurdles, she has committed herself over the years to assist people with disabilities, register for organ and tissue donation, and work towards reclaiming normalcy in her life.

Her aim is to enlighten others about how transplant recipients can recuperate their confidence.

Originating from Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu Province in East China, Wu had worked in a local advertising firm after completing her university education. Faced with severe asthma in May 2013, she was diagnosed with advanced lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) — a rare condition afflicting merely five in a million females, characterized by progressive breathing difficulties, and currently without a cure.

Her condition rapidly deteriorated, necessitating continuous oxygen support. Within months, her doctors had to present her with two stark choices: rely on an oxygen generator at home for up to five years or opt for a lung transplant.

Three months later, a matching donor was identified, and she received a lung transplant at Wuxi People’s Hospital.

Waking up from a seven-hour surgery, Wu experienced the exhilaration of breathing independently. Post-surgery, Wu threw herself into rehabilitation, exploring new hobbies like dancing and baking, and traveling with her family, trying to retrieve her lost life.

Yet, the journey post-operation was fraught with challenges: job loss, a breakup, and struggling against her medication’s side effects, which at its nadir caused her to vomit every five minutes.

In times of despair, Wu sought solace in writing to the family of her lung donor, affectionately calling him the “cattle-grazing boy” based on the scant details she knew.

Her letters, filled with heartfelt emotions, joys, tribulations, and gratitude, unexpectedly caught the public’s eye when posted online by her doctor, inspiring many and highlighting the importance of organ donation. Wu registered as an organ donor herself in 2017.

Her journey took a harsh turn in 2018 when she faced lung rejection, necessitating another transplant.

Following her second surgery, Wu continued her correspondence, this time addressing her letters to “Buddy 30” in honor of her second lung donor, reflecting on the shared humanity and courage derived from both her donors.

To alleviate her family’s financial strain, Wu found employment at a cultural startup, dedicating her free time to learning sign language, assisting deaf individuals with legal matters, and tutoring their children. She also contributes as an editor at the China Organ Donation Administrative Center, sharing inspiring stories on social media.

Since the inception of voluntary organ donation on Jan. 1, 2015, as the exclusive organ transplant source in China, the disparity between the number of donors and recipients remains vast. Though donor registration has seen a significant upsurge, about 300,000 patients are on the waiting list, while only 20,000 transplants happen annually.

Wu rejoices in seeing both young and old around her registering as donors.

After a recent 57-day hospital stay, Wu is anticipating a stage play based on her life next month in Nanjing, hoping it will foster greater empathy and support for transplant patients.

Surviving through tumultuous times, Wu remains committed to offering her support to those in need, saying, “Having weathered storms, I’m prepared to share my umbrella with others who need shelter.”

(Xinhua)