After my social media post went viral, I finally found my lung donor's family. The emotional meeting with them brought a confusing mix of happiness, grief, gratitude, and survivor's guilt. I received lungs because my donor was killed in a shooting.

Fanny Vlahos underwent a double lung transplant in May 2009. She holds degrees in English language and literature and American and Canadian law. Fanny has recently dedicated her time and efforts to inspiring others to embrace their authentic selves and promote organ donation. She is committed to affecting change in health care policy. Born in Canada to Greek immigrant parents, Fanny now lives in the Chicago area with her spouse of nine years and her son, who is truly the love of her life. Follow Fanny on Facebook, and on Twitter.
Blog Posts


Not many people can say they had a second chance at life. But, thanks to organ donation, I can. And I'm not just alive -- I'm living. My feet hit the floor every morning because there is no better motivation than clear purpose, which for me is motherhood.

My experience with complications after lung transplantation led me to join a group that is trying to make it better.