Gonna Live My Life — Mark Koziol

Before receiving my official diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), I was confident in my knowledge of it. Since it was suggested as a potential diagnosis, I spent many hours researching all facets of the disease. I was amazed by how many people were affected by IPF, yet so…

Several months after my lung transplant in 2015, my transplant team OK’d me to travel by air. My wife and I were in the doctor’s office and gave each other a grin. We knew then that we could go back to our special place: Maui. After careful consideration, we decided not…

After contracting respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and having an exacerbation of my idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, I was homebound. I wasn’t able to walk more than 15 feet and was having some anxiety. The majority of my anxiety issues pertained to coughing episodes. When I stood up from sitting, my…

In June 2016, Lifebanc held its Gift of Life Walk and Run alongside the Transplant Games of America in Cleveland, Ohio. I was a few months post-lung transplant and I felt strong enough to give back to the organ donation community. I enjoy planning events and parties, so it only…

I have been a season ticket holder with the Cleveland Browns football team since it returned to action in the city in 1999 after a hiatus. I am part of a group of 11 men that holds seven seats. We passionately believe in our sports franchise. I felt the urge…

When I was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), I didn’t comprehend what the disease could do to a person’s body. Normally, losing weight would be an ideal situation. For me, it was essential because I needed to lose 80 pounds to be under the required body mass index…

Months before my idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) diagnosis, my wife Rebecca and I met a young engaged couple. Stephanie was a teacher at the school where I worked in Ohio. She’s from Kansas, so I affectionately refer to her as “Dorothy.” Her fiancé, Connor, was in his third year…

In November 2012, I began to experience shortness of breath. My throat and esophagus also felt somewhat cold, like I was breathing and exhaling cold air even when I was in the house. I didn’t think anything of it and didn’t attribute these symptoms to an illness. On a trip…

Many people are apprehensive about asking for help when faced with dire situations. Fortunately, I haven’t had to ask for help with my idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) needs. Those in my circle have stepped up in the biggest ways possible and have been there for me when I needed their…

At 12:06 a.m. on Dec. 3, 2015, the much-anticipated phone call came. I knew what the call pertained to as soon as I saw the first digits on the phone’s screen. The caller identified himself as a nurse coordinator from Cleveland Clinic’s Transplant Center and then handed the phone over…