Meet Natalia Guillén

 It was a moment that marked the beginning of a challenging journey, both for me and my family. In 2019, my energy levels continued to plummet, and my breathing difficulties worsened. Sleep eluded me, and I started relying on oxygen, gradually increasing the liters. I faced two crises that left me physically drained. My doctor referred me to UCLA, where they considered me as a potential candidate for a lung transplant. Unfortunately, our first attempt was unsuccessful. However, we persisted, and it wasn’t until my second appointment that I received an evaluation as a potential transplant candidate. After undergoing all the necessary tests, I was deemed a suitable candidate, but we faced another obstacle when the surgeon declined approval due to my weight loss, totaling 42 pounds during the course of my illness.

In 2020, my husband and daughters embarked on the journey of securing the necessary approvals to place me on the transplant list. This process included dealing with insurance, consultations with a psychologist and dentist, interaction with social workers, and more. However, our greatest challenge was gaining the surgeon’s approval, as I needed to reach a weight of 100 pounds to be considered for the transplant. I was referred to a nutritionist, and my daughters diligently worked to help me gain weight through a healthy diet. Little did I anticipate how challenging it would be to digest food when you have so little oxygen. The process was slow, but every gram gained mattered. By then, I was reliant on a wheelchair and oxygen 24/7, and I could witness the toll my illness was taking on my body.

In early October 2020, the oxygen at home was no longer sufficient. Breathing became almost impossible. My worried daughter contacted Dr. Shino at UCLA, who advised that they rush me to the emergency room. I was soon hospitalized, and within a few days, I was placed third on the transplant list.