“I’ve got a renewed lease on life, a regimen of pulmonary rehab twice a week at Monmouth Medical Center near when I live, and I hope to soon be at the golf course and walking the beach, embracing every breath as a gift.”
For years, Robert Reardon, 66, enjoyed living by the Jersey Shore with Jeanne, his partner of 25 years, but knew he was headed for the biggest challenge of his life. He was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, COPD, and emphysema and as his lung disease had stolen his breath.
Robert needed 24/7 continuous supplemental oxygen therapy to breathe. He struggled to walk down his own driveway and walking on the beach was out of the question. He feared that he was running out of time to enjoy life’s milestones with his children and grandchildren.
In the spring of 2023, his lung function worsened, and he was experiencing an increase in symptoms his Critical Care Medicine Pulmonary Disease specialist Sharon Weiner, MD of Monmouth Pulmonary Consultants, an RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group practice affiliated with Monmouth Medical Center, Dr. Weiner determined Robert needed more additional support.
Dr. Weiner referred Robert to her RWJBarnabas Health colleague Joshua Lee, MD, advanced pulmonary critical care specialist and Director of Lung Transplant at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, home to New Jersey’s only lung transplant center.
"I have great confidence in the lung transplant team at Newark Beth Israel to provide advanced care while keeping me informed every step of the way,” states Dr. Weiner. “Knowing that treatment is close to home for patients, their families, and their support system helps ease the stress of the transplant journey as well."
Together the multidisciplinary teams from Monmouth Pulmonary Consultants and Newark Beth Israel Medical Center partnered to ensure Robert was comfortable and prepared him for what lied ahead. He eventually would need a lung transplant, his only chance for survival.
The transplant team at Newark evaluated Robert and advised him to lower his body mass index (BMI) below 30, which meant losing some weight. They also encouraged him to stay as active as possible to help maintain his lung function, despite its limitations. It was a challenge that Robert and his family tackled together.
Finally in July of 2024, Robert received the call from the team that a lung was available that matched his profile. On July 17, 2024 Robert received the ultimate gift: a new right lung.
He spent some time after the 4-hour surgery at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and soon afterward Robert went home to continue his recovery which includes pulmonary rehabilitation and physical therapy near his hometown, where he is getting stronger every day.
“It is so rewarding to work with the dedicated pulmonologists within the RWJBarnabas Health system. They are the embodiment of our mission to provide high quality care to patients in a compassionate manner, and to build and sustain a healthier New Jersey. Our lung transplant team is proud to deliver world class care, so patients no longer have to travel for their transplant needs,” said Dr. Lee.
Now, almost a year later, Robert says he’s not just living—he’s thriving. “I’ve got a renewed lease on life, a regimen of pulmonary rehab twice a week at Monmouth Medical Center near when I live, and I hope to soon be at the golf course and walking the beach, embracing every breath as a gift.”
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