Michigan teacher who received double lung transplant helps students make blankets for organ donor families

A special education teacher at Huron High School in New Boston, Michigan gathered with students Wednesday to make blankets for organ donors’ families.

Jackie Dennis was just born when his health declined. After more than a month of life support, the doctor began preparing for a double lung transplant.

“They found someone who could match and the surgeon did their job and I woke up with the donor’s lungs,” Dennis said.

She said a double lung transplant was the first for Henry Ford’s health during the pandemic. In the years since the operation, she has recovered well and has met the family of the lung donor.

“I’m lucky to have a good relationship and can send pictures of my daughter, I can send pictures of what my students are doing, I can show her the impact my daughter has seen on me and her little sisters, and it’s so beautiful.”

Dennis and Huron High School students gathered to make comfortable blankets for organ donation homes on Wednesday. She said that while the gift of New Lung brought her happiness, it also brought losses to another family.

“It’s so important, I think they probably don’t know how much it has,” Dennis said.

Riley Lambert, one of Huron High School students who helped organize Wednesday’s event, said it means a lot to her many classmates who want to help.

“She is a very kind person and I’m glad the whole student stepped up to help her,” Lambert said.

“I’m lucky to have this relationship, but for those who don’t, I just know that the donors are too grateful,” Dennis told the donor families there.