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Double Lung Transplant Survivor Adds Climbing Rice University Stadium to Her Inspiring Journey

Karla Sageth puts her new lungs toward saving lives

HOUSTON, TX | April 4, 2023

Karla Sageth is a lung transplant recipient who has been participating in the American Lung Association’s Fight For Air Climb in Houston since 2011. She first heard about the Lung Association and the event through social media and was inspired to participate, sharing her own journey with others and raising awareness about the importance of lung health.

“My journey as a lung transplant recipient has been a challenging one. I received my first double lung transplant in 2014, but unfortunately experienced rejection in 2016. I went back on the transplant list in 2018 and received my second double lung transplant in 2019. Now, almost four years later, I’m doing well and advocating for lung health and organ donation,” said Sageth.

She participated as a volunteer and cheerleader for the climbers and later formed a team with her family and church members. This year, her fundraising goal for the event is $1000.

“I believe that lung disease can be an invisible disease and it's important for people to exercise to improve lung health. I’m grateful to be part of a community working towards a common goal of improving lung health and I’m proud to see my transplant team and the breathing center at the event, knowing that they are working to improve lung health and help people like me live longer and healthier lives,” she said.

Sageth will join hundreds of other participants at the Fight For Air Climb at Rice University Stadium on May 20. She is available for interviews about the climb, and you can contact James Martinez at [email protected] or (312) 445-2501 for requests.

For more information about the Houston Climb, and to register, visit FightForAirClimb.org/Houston.

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About the American Lung Association

The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, which has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and is a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org. To support the work of the American Lung Association, find a local event at Lung.org/events.

For more information, contact:

James A. Martinez
(312) 445-2501
[email protected]

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