DETROIT (WXYZ) — “Every step counts.” That’s the motto for this weekend’s “Fight for Air Climb” taking place at the Ally Building in Downtown Detroit.
It is a fundraiser for the American Lung Association on March 1st.
One of the participants is a quadruple organ transplant recipient, that includes both his lungs. Kyle Bailey’s goal for the event involved participation from you!
“Definition of resilient,” That’s just one way he describes himself.
Kyle was born with cystic fibrosis which made his lungs work at half capacity.
“I know exactly what it’s like to not breathe.”
Doctors told his parents he may not live to see his 13th birthday.
“Most people have their health and take for granted.”
After advances in treatment, Kyle made it to his mid-20’s before needing to be on oxygen full-time. He was put on the double lung transplant list, ready for the average three-year wait. Because of his rare blood type and body frame, finding a match was difficult.
Luckily, months later he got the call.
“We have a gift of lungs for you. Everyone just basically cried in joy.”
After the transplant, he said, “Felt like a million bucks and took off like a rocket.”
Kyle lived a healthy, active life until four years later when received devastating news. Because of the amount of medications he needed growing up, it took a toll on his liver and kidney. Now, he needed two more organs to live.
At that point, he was about 70 pounds and unable to walk.
After being on the waitlist for only four days, Kyle found a match.
“You could imagine the emotion. I was crying. I hugged the doctors and I just said, ‘thanks for the opportunity.’”
It’s been nine years and a tough recovery, Kyle is now using his story to remind folks to signup to be an organ donor.
“95% of Americans believe in organ donation and only 55% are registered.”
He is participating in the Fight for Air climb at the Ally Building to prove organ donors save lives of people who will thrive just like him. It’s 42 floors up and back down.
Kyle thinks it’s an easy challenge considering what he has already been through.
“Every day is a memory and I’ve made nine years of memories that I almost didn’t have.”
To sign up to be an organ donor, go to:https://www.giftoflifemichigan.org/become-donor/
Or: https://registerme.org/campaign/recyclelife
