After multiple delays and setbacks, teen finally gets transplant

By Ann Rubin

KSDK -- After years of waiting, 16-year-old Odell Terry received a lung transplant at St. Louis Children's Hospital, but not before dealing with the kind of heartbreak usually reserved for movies.

Not only did Terry have to cope with being sick, he also had to deal with an accident, a fire, and relatives who stole his medical fund.

But now he has new lungs and a new lease on life.

Terry has spent eight years, literally half his life, waiting for a lung transplant. He finally got one March 18.

"It feels way different," he said.

Due to cystic fibrosis, his old lungs were barely working. Now, he breathes easier.

"His chest just swells, he's taking such a deep breath in," said his mother, Lana Terry. "And then he blows all of it out. I mean it's like angels playing on harps to me just to watch him breathe like that."

The Terry's have waited a long time for this transplant and it seems like while they were waiting, everything that could go wrong, did go wrong.

There was a near-transplant in 2004, but the lungs were not good. He did get to throw a pitch at a Cardinals game as consolation.

Then there was the money. While the Terry's were in St. Louis, family back home cleaned out Odell's medical fund, which held more than $35,000. The relatives were indicted and are now paying restitution.

Last year there was a fire. Odell's oxygen tanks ignited and the family lost their home. Three days later, the Terry's had a car accident. By the end of 2008, the family had no car, no house, no money and still no lungs for Odell.

"2008 was topsy-turvy, from beginning to end," said Lana.

Now things seem to be looking up. Doctors said the surgery went smoothly.

"So far he does not have any signs of rejection and he's recovering well," said Dr. Brian Bezack.

And Odell is looking forward to testing out his new lungs.

The family has called it a fresh start for all of them. They're hoping this is a sign their luck has changed.

"It's going to be a totally different life," said Odell's father, Rodney.

Odell could be released from Children's Hospital in a few days, but he'll have to spend three months in St. Louis before he can return home to Dyersburg, Tennessee. Once they go home, the Terry's will stay with family until they can find a new place to live.