First recipient in the new program celebrates 67^th birthday using his new lungs to blow out candles on his cake in honor of receiving the gift of life   

PHOENIX — Today, Mayo Clinic in Arizona announced it has added lung transplantation to its nationally recognized solid organ transplant program. The program delivers world-class care to critically ill patients battling end-stage lung disease who need a lung transplant to survive and restore their quality of life. 

The new  Arizona Lung Transplant Program in Arizona offers a multidisciplinary team of medical and surgical experts in the Southwest, supported by clinical innovation from across Mayo Clinic, bringing unparalleled experience and the latest in research-driven care to every patient.

"With the launch of our lung transplant program, we are reinforcing our commitment to providing category-of-one care to patients with serious and complex medical needs. This new program strengthens our nationally acclaimed solid organ transplant program in Arizona, giving more patients access to the transformative gift of renewed life," says Richard Gray, M.D., CEO of Mayo Clinic in Arizona. 

Jonathan D'Cunha, M.D., Ph.D., surgical director of the Mayo Clinic in Arizona Lung Transplant Program, says the program provides transplantation for the full range of patients with end-stage lung disease. "This is the beginning of a remarkable new era for lung transplantation in Arizona," says Dr. D'Cunha. "We are excited and honored to offer patients and families renewed hope and a second chance at life through Mayo's unrivaled expertise in comprehensive adult organ transplant care."

Craig Scherer became the new program's first patient to undergo a lifesaving lung transplant on May 30. Soon after surgery, Craig was already beginning to breathe slowly on his own for the first time in years. On June 18, he was discharged and able to go home.

"It is surreal to be able to breathe again and not gasp for air. The reality has not even set in yet. I'm putting a lot of thought into finding the right words to express how deeply grateful I am for this gift," says Craig. 

Craig is one of the millions worldwide who have suffered a loss of lung function due to chronic respiratory diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. 

Over the years, the progressive disease slowly robbed the Arizona man of his ability to breathe, leaving him dependent on oxygen tanks for survival. "I couldn't go places, couldn't do things. My quality of life was zero. I was always very anxious and afraid the tanks were going to run out," says Craig. 

Chronic lower respiratory diseases (CLRDs) are the fifth leading killer in the U.S., according to a 2024 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The report cited CLRD as the cause of death for approximately 145,000 people in the U.S. in one year. 

Craig's wife of 32 years, Nanci, says that over time, Craig also lost the ability to speak. "He didn't have the oxygen to talk. We lived in silence and isolated," says Nanci. 

Eventually, Craig reached the final stage of lung failure. Oxygen tanks were no longer enough to help him breathe. "We were truly desperate. We were down to weeks," says Nanci. "I didn't think he would make it to his next birthday." 

Dr. D'Cunha, who led the team of surgical specialists that performed Craig's procedure, said that too often, patients like Craig reach a point where supplemental oxygen is no longer sufficient to meet their respiratory needs.

"Often, there are no medical interventions at that point. They have run out of time," he says. "Lung transplant becomes the patient's only option. In Craig's case, without the transplant, it likely would have resulted in his death."

In just three weeks since his transplant, with daily physical therapy, Craig is back to walking and talking like he did years ago. "It is not an easy journey," says Dr. D'Cunha, about the recovery. "But it's a journey that gives patients like Craig hope — to see his grandchildren, the next milestone, or whatever his goals may be."

Ashraf Omar, M.B., B.Ch., medical director of the Mayo Clinic in Arizona Lung Transplant Program, recalls Craig's determination to succeed from the start. "I'm proud of Craig. He has always amazed me, throughout this journey," says Dr. Omar. "He's a special person. Motivation is the cornerstone of his success."

Mayo Clinic's new program in Arizona will offer the latest advancements in lung transplant innovation, including ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP), which is considered one of the most transformative breakthroughs in lung transplantation in recent years. EVLP improves the success of lung transplantation by helping to preserve and evaluate donor lungs prior to transplant.  

Mayo Clinic Transplant Center, with integrated programs in Minnesota, Florida and Arizona, is the nation’s largest provider of solid organ transplantation. Currently, Mayo Clinic in Arizona is on target to surpass its 2024 record number of nearly 900 transplants. In the first week of June alone, the Arizona program successfully performed a record-breaking 36 transplants. The addition of the lung program establishes Mayo Clinic in Arizona as a comprehensive transplant destination medical center.

"As the leader in organ transplantation in the country, we are committed to our vision where no patient dies while waiting for a life-saving transplant," says Bashar Aqel, M.D., director of the Mayo Clinic Transplant Center in Arizona. "Our new program meets an urgent need for so many patients fighting to survive end-stage lung disease."

Today, Craig celebrating his 67^th birthday. He spent the day back at Mayo Clinic with his family and the surgical team who performed his life-saving transplant for a news conference formally announcing the launch of the new program.

The highlight of the event was when Craig addressed the crowd to share how the transplant has impacted his life. "These lungs are my 67th birthday gift. The best birthday gift I could get in the world," said Craig. "It gave me life."

Then came the moment everyone was waiting for. Dr. D'Cunha, who led the surgical team that restored Craig's ability to breathe, lit candles on a birthday cake for Craig. In honor of the organ donor and the donor family, Craig used his new lungs to blow out the candles. "Most people don't get a second chance, I did. One day, when I can find the right words, I hope to get the chance to tell them 'thank you,'" said Craig.

The crowd held their breath when Craig used his new lungs to lean over, and blow out the candles. The remarkable moment was met by heartfelt applause. Watch the joyous moment and hear Craig share his thoughts of gratitude for the gift of life.

When the event ended, Craig and Nanci returned home with their family to spend the rest of the day together - in celebration of love and life.

"I have a lot of life left to live in me. Everything is a motivator — my wife, my kids, my grandkids, my health," says Craig. "Before, I had no quality of life and couldn't do anything. Now there’s nothing I can't accomplish."

###

About Mayo Clinic 
Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization committed to innovation in clinical practice, education and research, and providing compassion, expertise and answers to everyone who needs healing.

Media contact: 
Marty Velasco Hames newsbureau@mayo.edu 507-284-5005     

Press kit including b-roll, interviews, photos and other publication material available for download here.

---

For more information about the Mayo Clinic Lung Transplant Program, to make an appointment and referrals, please visit the website Mayo Clinic Lung Transplant Program or call 480-342-1010.

Give the Gift of Life
Mayo Clinic Minute: Become an organ donor and save lives

Related Articles