On Thanksgiving eve 2002, Michael Adams sat in a recliner with an oxygen cannula in his nose, receiving eight liters of oxygen and gasping for air. With only 17 percent lung function, he had end-stage cystic fibrosis. That night he was admitted to the hospital because he didn't want to die at home. On December 5, his pastor read him his last rites. The next morning, he received the call that he had waited for more than two years - a pair of lungs was now available. Since then, Michael has traveled all over the world, enjoys kayaking and playing tennis. He participated in the 2004 U.S. Transplant Games, medaling in men's tennis. He has a deep bond with the mother of his organ donor, Tory Howe Lynch, a 15-year-old boy who was gunned down while waiting for choir practice on the church steps.

Michael's Story

On Thanksgiving eve 2002, Michael Adams sat in a recliner with an oxygen cannula in his nose, receiving eight liters of oxygen and gasping for air. With only 17 percent lung function, he had end-stage cystic fibrosis and was confined to a chair. "My life had become a waiting game on the National Transplant Waiting List for a double-lung transplant," said Michael.

"That night, we decided that I go to the hospital because I didn't want to die at home. I was declining, and on December 5, my pastor came and read me my last rites," Michael recalled. "The next morning, I received the call that I had waited over two years for - a pair of lungs was now available for me."

Michael no longer needs an oxygen concentrator or breathing treatments. He enrolled in a culinary program, has traveled all over the world, and enjoys kayaking, whitewater rafting, and playing tennis. He participated in the 2004 U.S. Transplant Games, medaling in men's tennis. This past year, he joined his lung transplant team to raise money for the American Lung Association by climbing up the stairs of the second highest building in Los Angeles.

As a OneLegacy Ambassador, Michael shares his story with "anyone who will listen" and at high schools, colleges and hospitals. He also volunteers in the same hospital lung transplant department that saved his life.

"I have truly been blessed by organ donation," stated Michael. "It has not only saved my life, but has given me a better quality of life. I owe it all to my organ donor, Tory Howe Lynch, a 15-year-old boy with dreams of attending Ohio State University. He was gunned down while waiting for choir practice on the steps of church. It was the first time his mother let her only child go to church alone."

One year after his transplant, Michael met Tory's mother. They have developed a deep bond and get together for lunch every year on December 6, the day of their mutual anniversaries. "I have become a part of her family, and she has become a part of mine," he confirmed.