Carolyn Durham

I have always been curious about the world around me, and the world inside me. And mainly how the two intersect. 

This drove me to study microbiology and immunology and, ultimately, led to fascination with organ transplantation as a path to understanding the intersection between self and non-self. I never expected to have a transplant. 

​

But, I'm always up for a good adventure. 

 

In 2011, I received a bilateral lung transplant, and it's been amazing.

​

I love to explore the world:
one lap at a time in the pool, from the saddle of my beloved bike, from trails near and far on foot, one good rail at a time playing squash, and one good new recipe at a time that I discovered and want to share. 

 

I love to read, write, and dance. 

​

And, I have a passion for the strategic and scientific development of new therapies
that can help people live better, longer lives. 

​

Part of the adventure of lung transplant is being on chronic, high-dose immunosuppression that eventually wrecks your kidneys. Doctors say it's not a matter of if, but when.

And like most good adventures, renal function trajectory is never linear. 

​

So, my renal function was fine for a long time.

Until it reached a worrisome threshold. I sought consult and was told to wait.

Now, the next threshold has been reached, and I have been put on the transplant wait list. 

A new adventure. Certainly daunting, like jumping into a cold pool in the morning.

​

In 2024, after a year of watching the numbers and reaching out to you all for your help in finding a donor,
I received a kidney transplant. It's better than I could have imagined. 

​

And now, I'm eager to continue living my life how I always have: with abandon. 

​

Thank you for being there for me. Thank you for being there with me. 

​

With all my heart and my wild kidney, thank you. 

carolyn

​