Steve Perryman breathes easier today with new lungs, a new perspective, and a quiet vow to pay it forward.

After an interstitial lung disease diagnosis in 2015, Mr. Perryman's condition remained stable for years under the care of Craig Glazer, M.D., M.S.P.H., M.S.-M.A.S., FCCP, Professor of Internal Medicine and a pulmonologist at UT Southwestern. When complications developed in 2022, he was placed on a transplant list to receive new lungs.

During his wait for a match, Mr. Perryman received three calls on potential donors. "The fourth call was the one," he said, reflecting on the miracle of receiving donor lungs just a month after being on the list.

The successful bilateral lung transplant and expert care he received at UT Southwestern inspired Mr. Perryman and his wife to share their gratitude with others. Together, their gifts support patients confronting similar challenges, especially those struggling with the costs of lodging, medication, and recovery.

"We always set aside funds to give at the end of the year," Mr. Perryman said. "This time, we wanted that gift to meet people right where they are. For most, it's in the hardest part of their journey."

Now under the eye of his transplant coordinator, Emily Pickett, B.B.A., B.S.N., RN, Mr. Perryman and his wife continue their commitment to gratitude, ensuring others don't have to shoulder the burden of healing alone.