In 2010, Robert M. was diagnosed with emphysema, a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which causes damage to the lungs and makes it difficult to breathe. For several years, he managed his condition with medication and ongoing medical care. After moving to Central Pa. in 2015, he began receiving care from Taj Rahman, MD, a pulmonologist at UPMC Westshore.
Over time, Robert’s condition steadily worsened. By 2024, his lung function had declined to just 23%, and he relied on supplemental oxygen to breathe. It became clear that he would need a lung transplant.
“Every day was a struggle,” recalls Robert. “I got to the point where I wasn’t able to do my job.”
Robert traveled to another transplant center for a transplant evaluation. After being told he was not a candidate for transplant and was referred to a clinical trial instead, he felt uncertain about the proposed treatment plan. He returned to Dr. Rahman to discuss other options.
The Path to UPMC’s Transplant Program
Dr. Rahman consulted with Chadi Antonios Hage, MD, medical director of the UPMC Lung Transplant Program at UPMC Presbyterian, who agreed to evaluate Robert’s case. Following another transplant evaluation, Robert was finally approved and joined the waiting list for new organs in July 2025.
Just two months later, around 10 a.m. on Sept. 3, Robert received the phone call from his transplant coordinator, Amanda. He and his wife quickly packed their bags and made the three-and-a-half-hour drive to Pittsburgh. Later that evening, Robert successfully received a double lung transplant.
“I can’t say enough about how incredible Dr. Hage and his team are,” says Robert.
After leaving the hospital, Robert and his wife stayed at Family House in Pittsburgh while he completed pulmonary rehabilitation and recovered from surgery. After several weeks, he was able to return home and begin rebuilding his strength.
Life After Transplant
“I didn’t realize how bad I actually felt until after the transplant,” says Robert. “I can finally breathe. I can finally walk. I can do everything I couldn’t do before.”
Before his transplant, Robert could barely walk a mile. Today, he walks eight to nine miles each day and embraces every moment of his new life. He's also back to doing things he enjoys, including cooking and spending time admiring his garden.
"I have so much gratitude for my donor and their family," says Robert. "And for everyone at UPMC West Shore and UPMC Presbyterian. They gave me the most precious gift of all: a second chance at life."
Robert’s treatment and results may not be representative of all similar cases.
