Duane McKay, a 40-year-old firefighter, recently underwent a life-saving double lung transplant at UNC Hospitals. This medical journey comes after his battle with acute myelogenous leukemia five years ago.
In July 2024, Christina McKay, Duane’s wife and a 911 dispatcher, learned that her husband needed the transplant. “I literally work in crisis every day to fix things and get people where they need to go,” she said. Christina approached this challenge as she did when Duane was diagnosed with cancer: by planning meticulously.
Duane had previously recovered from leukemia in 2020, alongside their daughter Maddi who also battled a rare nerve tissue cancer. Both received treatment at UNC Health and achieved remission.
Five years later, Duane developed breathing difficulties. Dr. Christine Vigeland of UNC Health diagnosed him with idiopathic interstitial lung disease (ILD), which required medication initially but eventually led to the decision for a lung transplant due to his declining condition.
Drs. Jason Lobo and Raymond Coakley from the Lung Transplant Program ensured Duane underwent necessary tests to confirm his suitability for the procedure. After four months on the transplant list, just before Thanksgiving, he received news of available lungs.
The surgery was conducted by Dr. Benjamin E. Haithcock at UNC Medical Center and lasted nine hours. Post-surgery recovery included physical therapy and within nine days, Duane returned home.
Christina found support through the UNC lung transplant team and support groups during this period. “We wouldn’t be where we are now without the help from others that went through the same journey as we did,” she said.
Seven months post-transplant, Duane is able to engage in daily activities like cutting grass and playing with his daughters without an oxygen tank. He hopes to return to firefighting once medically cleared while Christina continues supporting her family and others facing similar challenges.
Reflecting on their experience, Christina shared: “I had to go through a lot as a caregiver… There’s fear, obviously… but you have to just take it one day at a time.”
