Two-time double lung transplant recipient celebrates Mother’s Day

Norton Thoracic Institute gives Show Low woman gift of time with her sons

(PHOENIX – May 8, 2026) – This Mother’s Day, a two-time double lung transplant recipient is overflowing with love and gratitude as she reflects on the many milestones she’s been able to witness her two sons reach over the last 16 years thanks to the expert care she received at Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center’s Norton Thoracic Institute. 

“My two boys are my whole world,” said Teri Raymond, 65. “They were my motivation to get through my two lung transplants. I live every day for them and I’m so proud to see the men they’ve grown into.” 

Back in 1992, early signs of lung problems began to emerge, prompting Teri to move her young family from Scottsdale to Show Low in 1996 with hopes that the fresher air would offer some reprieve. But her breathing difficulties steadily worsened. In 2005 she was diagnosed with severe emphysema, a progressive lung disease that gradually damages the air sacs in the lungs, making breathing increasingly difficult and eventually, nearly impossible. 

Despite her declining condition, Teri juggled frequent trips to the valley for specialized care at Norton while navigating life as a dedicated single mother to Joey and Danny. 

“At the time, my sons were about 10 and 12 years old and I did everything I could to be there for them despite how sick I was feeling,” said Teri. “I would carry around my oxygen as I went to their soccer games and volunteered at all the school events that I could manage. I didn’t want to miss out on anything.”

In 2009, Teri’s condition worsened and she was placed on the donor waiting list. In July, she received a call that there was a match. Unfortunately, her body began to reject the donor lungs just one year later. However, the Norton team didn’t give up on her. She was once again meticulously evaluated to be a lung transplant candidate.

“When we consider a patient for a re-transplant, it’s not a decision that is taken lightly,” said Brandi Krushelniski, vice president of Norton Thoracic Institute and transplant services at St. Joseph’s Norton Thoracic Institute. “It requires an immense commitment from both the patient and our team, as this procedure becomes more complex the second time around. We perform all the same thorough assessments to confirm the patient is not only a viable candidate for new lungs, but also strong enough for the recovery ahead. Teri embraced that challenge head-on with unparalleled positivity.” 

In November 2011, Teri received her second lifesaving lung transplant.  This precious gift of life has allowed her to watch her sons graduate from high school, and pursue degrees to advance their careers in architecture and medicine. She even got to witness her son Joey marry his wife Lauren in Mexico this summer, reflecting the depth of her recovery, joyfully sharing the Mother and Son dance. 

“I felt like all my dreams had come true that day,” said Teri. “I fought so hard to get to this point. My goal was always to stay alive long enough to help them on their way into adulthood. Exceeding that goal and watching them flourish has been nothing short of amazing. They make every day feel like Mother’s Day!”

Sixteen years after her first lung transplant, a rare but achievable milestone with the appropriate care and medical advancements, Teri is embracing the future and the many milestones still to come with her family.

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