Lung transplant recipient stays active climbing stadium steps and more post-transplant

Doug Wright needed a lung transplant.

But that didn’t stop him from climbing the stairs in every section of the lower bowl in Comerica Park with an oxygen tank.

Each year, the American Lung Association hosts the Fight for Air Climb in stadiums across the country.

Proceeds of the event go towards research benefitting patients with lung disease who are fighting for every breath.

Wright wasn’t just climbing to raise awareness for lung disease, though.

He was preparing his body for a double lung transplant.

Searching for air

Wright first noticed he was having trouble breathing in 2014.

He decided to make an appointment with the University of Michigan Health pulmonology team at this time to find the cause.

The diagnosis surprised him; pulmonary fibrosis.

Wright was placed on oxygen, and his lung function was stable for many years.

Around 2020, this began changing.

Wright and his pulmonology team began noticing a quick decline in his lung function.

When Wright needed 12 liters of oxygen per minute to sustain lung function, his pulmonary team decided it was time to be evaluated for a lung transplant.

Wright was approved and listed for a lung transplant in October 2021.

Now, he needed 20 liters of oxygen per minute to sustain lung function. More than an oxygen compressor alone can provide.

“With his oxygen needs, we knew Wright needed a set of donor lungs as soon as possible,” said Dennis Lyu, M.D., a Clinical Professor of Pulmonary Diseases and Medical Director of Lung Transplant at U-M Health Transplant Center.

“I wasn’t sure that he was going to make it to Christmas,” said his wife, Linda Wright.

“We put our trust in the U-M Health team that they would be able to find Doug a pair of donor lungs quickly.”

It didn’t take long for a matching pair of donor lungs to become available.

On the night of November 10, 2021, Wright received the call that he had a match.

“Linda and I got in the car as fast as possible,” Wright said.

“We didn’t want to take any chance of being late.”

After a 12-hour procedure, Wright had a new set of lungs and a second chance at life.

“The ICU and nursing care after his transplant was and is a key strength of our program in getting patients through these challenging operations,” said Rishi Reddy, M.D., the Surgical Lung Transplant Director at the U-M Health Transplant Center.

Wright had a smooth recovery, thanks in part to his drive to stay as active as possible before his transplant.

"Staying active before a transplant prepares the body for a successful recovery as it keeps the body as strong as possible,” said Lyu.

“Pushing himself to do things like the Fight for Air Climb at Comerica Park was key to his quick and successful post-transplant recovery.”

Staying in motion

Since the transplant, Wright has been able to be active without oxygen.

Just six months after his lung transplant, Wright participated in the 2022 Fight for Air Climb at Comerica Park.

This specific participation year holds a special place in Wright’s heart.

He was able to meet his donor family for the first time.

“Being able to meet them, talk to them, thank them and share stories was an honor,” said Wright.

“There were lots of tears and hugging. I can’t thank them enough for the gift they have given myself and my family.”

At the 2026 Fight for Air Climb at Ford Field, Wright had a new cheering section.

There were lots of tears and hugging. I can’t thank them enough for the gift they have given myself and my family.”  

- Linda Wright

For the first time, the U-M Health transplant team was set up at a table near the finish line cheering him and others on as they completed their events.

“It was cool seeing the U-M Health transplant team show support for the climbers,” said Wright.

“The U-M Health lung transplant team has helped give me a second chance at life. They are part of the reason I can still participate in these events.”

In addition to participating in the annual Fight for Air Climb, Wright averages about 14,000 steps per day, has participated in five half marathons and will be walking in a full marathon in July 2026.

Wright’s mobility wasn’t the only motivation for being listed for a transplant.

SEE ALSO: Lung transplant recipient wins gold in World Transplant Games 

He wanted to ensure he had more time with his family.

“Ultimately, the choice to be listed for a lung transplant was so I could spend more time with my wife, three children and two grandchildren,” he said.

Receiving a lung transplant means Wright can continue to support his family through their life events.

“Thanks to my transplant, I have received five more years with my loved ones.”

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