Hello little buddies!

Do you know what your lungs do? They’re the squishy pink balloons in your chest that help you breathe in fresh air and breathe out stuff your body doesn’t need. Every time you laugh, sing, yawn, or blow bubbles, your lungs are working hard behind the scenes.

But sometimes, lungs can get very, very sick — so sick that even medicine, puffers, or oxygen can’t make them better. When that happens, something truly magical can take place... a lung transplant! 🌟

🫁 What Is a Lung Transplant?

A lung transplant is when one or both sick lungs are gently swapped for healthy ones from someone who wanted to help others after they passed away. That person is called a donor, and their gift is full of kindness, love, and super-powered generosity.

Doctors carefully take out the old lung (or lungs) and replace it with the new one — kind of like giving your chest a fresh pair of breathing balloons! 🎈

And guess what? That new lung can help someone start laughing, walking, and dreaming again.

🌬 Why Might Someone Need New Lungs?

Sometimes, kids just like you are born with lungs that don’t work quite right. Others might have a disease that makes breathing really hard. Here are some reasons a person might need a lung transplant:

• Cystic Fibrosis (CF) – A condition that makes thick, sticky mucus clog up the lungs.

• Pulmonary Fibrosis – A disease that causes the lungs to become stiff and scarred.

• Pulmonary Hypertension – A type of high blood pressure that affects the blood vessels in the lungs.

• Bronchiolitis Obliterans – Tiny airways in the lungs get inflamed and damaged.

• Congenital Lung Problems – When lungs don’t grow properly before birth.

When breathing gets too tough — even with oxygen and medicine — a lung transplant might be the best way to help someone live, grow, and smile again.

🩺 Getting Ready for a Lung Transplant

You and your family will visit a special hospital with clever doctors and nurses who are experts in transplants. You’ll meet:

• Lung doctors (called pulmonologists)

• Transplant surgeons

• Nurses, dietitians, and play therapists

They’ll do tests like:

• Breathing tests (to see how strong your lungs are)

• Blood tests

• X-rays or CT scans

• Heart checks

Once they make sure your body is ready, you’ll go on the transplant waiting list — a special list of kids and adults waiting for a matching donor.

⏳ Waiting for Your Lungs

This part can take some time — sometimes days, sometimes months. While you wait, your transplant team will help keep you as strong and healthy as possible.

They’ll be looking for lungs that are:

• The right size for your chest

• A good match for your blood type

• As healthy as possible for surgery

When they find the perfect match, you’ll get a phone call — “It’s time!”

🏥 Right Before Surgery

You’ll pack a bag and head to the hospital. It might be in the middle of the night — because lungs don’t wait!

At the hospital:

• Nurses will check your breathing and give you special medicine

• You’ll change into a gown

• Your family will be nearby the whole time, cheering you on like superheroes 🦸

🛌 What Happens During the Operation?

During the operation:

• You’ll be asleep with anaesthetic (so you won’t feel anything)

• The doctors will remove one or both of your lungs

• They’ll gently place the new ones in, connect everything, and check it’s all working

The surgery can take 6–12 hours, depending on whether you’re getting one lung or both.

🌈 After the Surgery

You’ll wake up in a quiet room called the ICU (Intensive Care Unit). You might see:

• Beeping machines

• Long bendy tubes

• Friendly nurses with big smiles

These things help your new lungs get used to their new home.

Once you’re stable, you’ll move to a regular hospital room, where you’ll:

• Practice breathing

• Do light exercise with physios

• Eat yummy food that helps you heal

💊 Special Medicine

You’ll take anti-rejection medicines to help your body accept your new lungs. These are very important and you’ll take them every day.

You’ll also visit the hospital often at first — for check-ups, breathing tests, and scans to make sure everything is going smoothly.

🎉 What Happens When It Works?

When a lung transplant works well, it’s like unlocking a secret superpower! Most kids:

• Breathe more easily

• Feel stronger and happier

• Can run, dance, ride bikes, and go back to school

• Don’t need oxygen tanks anymore

• Can sleep better at night and play more during the day

Some kids even grow taller and faster after transplant — because their body finally gets the oxygen it needs!

💔 What If It Doesn’t Work?

Sometimes, new lungs don’t last forever. But don’t worry — your doctors will keep a close eye on you. If you ever need another transplant, they’ll help you go back on the list.

Some kids live many, many years with their transplanted lungs. The key is to take your medicine, eat healthy food, and stay active.

🧠 Coping, Feelings, and Support

It’s okay to feel all kinds of feelings — scared, excited, worried, even grumpy. You’ve been through a lot!

That’s why there are special people to help you:

• Psychologists (to talk about feelings)

• Play therapists (to make hospital time fun)

• Social workers (to help your family)

• Support groups like Transplant Australia, Cystic Fibrosis Community Care, and of course, Donate Buddies💙

You can even meet other kids who’ve had lung transplants — and swap superhero stories!

🥦 What About Food?

After transplant, food becomes your best friend! You’ll eat:

• Rainbow-coloured veggies

• Protein like fish, chicken, or beans

• Grains like brown rice and oats

• Less sugar and salty snacks

Your dietitian will make sure meals are yummy AND helpful for healing.

🏃 Can I Play Again?

Yes — and yes again! Once your doctor gives the go-ahead, movement is magic.

You might:

• Blow bubbles

• Swim or splash in the pool

• Go on nature walks

• Try yoga or dancing

• Join a sports team

Exercise helps keep your lungs strong, your heart happy, and your energy up!

💖 Why Lung Transplants Matter

A lung transplant isn’t just a surgery. It’s a gift. A miracle. A second chance at life.

It’s also a way to honour a donor — someone who chose to help others live after they passed away. Their kindness lives on in every breath you take.

So every time you blow out birthday candles, sing in the shower, or whisper “I love you” — remember: your lungs are a gift worth celebrating.

📚 Want to Learn More?

✨ Visit Lenny the Lung

🌟 Explore the Hero Wall to meet real transplant kids

👨‍🏫 Teachers and parents can visit our For Educators section for lesson plans and activities

🫶 Register as a donor at donatelife.gov.au

Every breath you take is a little bit magical. So keep breathing, keep believing, and remember — you’re one of our brave Donate Buddies!