Journey to Renewal: Peoria Mom Shares Life-Saving Lung Transplant Story
A Journey of Resilience and Recovery
A Peoria mother is on the path to recovery after undergoing a life-saving double lung transplant. After nearly two months without the ability to speak, she has finally regained her voice, marking a significant milestone in her journey.
Ali Briskey, 41, underwent the double lung transplant at Norton Thoracic Institute at Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center last year. Her story is one of perseverance, strength, and hope. “Our journey has been a rollercoaster, lots of ups and downs,” she shared, reflecting on the challenges she faced.
Briskey’s condition began when she was pregnant, as the Scleroderma she had been living with progressed into interstitial lung disease. This condition caused her lungs to fail, along with some heart complications. “My lungs were just failing, and then I had some heart complications as well,” she explained.
Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease that can lead to the hardening of internal organs, making it difficult to breathe and causing a range of other health issues. For Briskey, this meant a long and challenging battle with her health. “I was hospitalized for 106 days through this journey,” she said.
After the birth of her youngest child, Briskey found herself frequently returning to the hospital. Eventually, she was referred to Norton Thoracic Institute, where she underwent evaluations and was accepted as a transplant candidate. She was placed on the transplant list, and her condition was severe enough that she was prioritized for the procedure.
“Ali’s case was very critical,” said Dr. Leena Pawar of St. Joseph’s Norton Thoracic Institute. “Her numbers were already on the higher side, and I think she received this transplant really quickly, within a matter of a few days.”
The transplant was successful, but it came with its own set of challenges. One of the most difficult aspects for Briskey was losing her voice. “I was stripped of my voice completely,” she said. “I was unable to speak for about 48 days. I was stripped of my ability to move and to walk and to just function in this world, and I had to learn all of that over again.”
Despite these obstacles, Briskey has made remarkable progress. Her ability to speak again is a symbol of her resilience and determination. The road to recovery has not been easy, but she continues to push forward, focusing on regaining her strength and independence.
Key Challenges Faced by Ali Briskey
- Progression of Scleroderma: The autoimmune disease led to interstitial lung disease, severely impacting her respiratory system.
- Heart Complications: Alongside lung failure, she experienced additional health issues that complicated her condition.
- Extended Hospitalization: A 106-day hospital stay marked the peak of her struggle with illness.
- Post-Transplant Recovery: After the surgery, she lost her voice and mobility, requiring extensive rehabilitation.
- Emotional and Physical Struggles: The journey included emotional highs and lows, as well as physical setbacks that tested her endurance.
The Role of Medical Experts
Dr. Leena Pawar played a crucial role in evaluating and treating Briskey. Her expertise and the team at Norton Thoracic Institute provided the necessary care and support throughout the process. The rapid response to her condition ensured that she received the transplant in time to save her life.
Looking Ahead
As Briskey continues her recovery, she remains focused on rebuilding her life. Her story serves as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges. With each step forward, she demonstrates the power of resilience, medical innovation, and the human spirit.