UNC Patient Celebrates 20th Anniversary of Successful Transplant

October 8, 2010 – 20 years ago, Howell Graham underwent then-risky, double-lung transplant surgery for cystic fibrosis at UNC Hospitals. He now celebrates breathing free for two decades.

Howell Graham

UNC surgeons Thomas Egan, MD, who performed the original operation, and Benjamin Haithcock, MD, surgical director of UNC’s lung transplant program, comment on how the procedure has improved over time while the risks have decreased. Graham hopes to raise awareness for organ donation and new techniques developed by UNC surgeons.