Colorado Man's Transplant Story Highlights UCHealth's 10K-Transplant Milestone

Jeremiah Penny's life-changing double lung transplant is one of 10,000 procedures performed at UCHealth, a remarkable achievement.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 6:25pm

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As UCHealth celebrates performing 10,000 transplants, one of its patients, Jeremiah Penny, embodies the life-changing power of organ donation. Penny, who was diagnosed with end-stage COPD and heart failure, received a double lung transplant in 2024 after just three days on the waitlist, a rare occurrence. His story highlights the profound impact transplants can have, as he has since regained his health and ability to hike 14ers. Penny's donor, a loving father, husband, and grandfather, continues to live on through Penny, who is grateful for the gift of life.

Why it matters

UCHealth's milestone of 10,000 transplants, including 1,000 each of lung, heart, kidney, and liver transplants, underscores the critical role organ donation plays in transforming and saving lives. Penny's story illustrates the profound impact a single donor can have, not only on the recipient but also on the donor's loved ones who find meaning in their loss. This achievement highlights the medical expertise and compassionate care at UCHealth, which has become a leader in organ transplantation.

The details

Jeremiah Penny, 45, was diagnosed with end-stage COPD, heart failure, and pulmonary hypertension, which made even basic tasks like showering or walking up stairs extremely difficult. With only weeks to live, Penny received a double lung transplant on December 23, 2024, after just three days on the waitlist, an unusually short time. The transplant completely transformed his life, allowing him to regain his health and resume activities like hiking 14ers that he had not been able to do for years. Penny's donor was a loving father, husband, and grandfather, and Penny is grateful to be able to carry on the donor's legacy.

  • In December 2024, Penny received his double lung transplant.
  • In 2025, UCHealth celebrated performing 10,000 total transplants, including 1,000 each of lung, heart, kidney, and liver transplants.

The players

Jeremiah Penny

A 45-year-old Colorado man who received a life-changing double lung transplant at UCHealth after being diagnosed with end-stage COPD and heart failure.

Diana Remick

The wife of Penny's donor, a loving father, husband, and grandfather, who is honored that her husband's legacy lives on through Penny.

Dr. Alice Gray

The Medical Director of the lung transplant program at the University of Colorado Hospital, who was involved in Penny's transplant and recovery process.

UCHealth

A Colorado-based healthcare system that celebrated performing 10,000 total transplants in 2025, including 1,000 each of lung, heart, kidney, and liver transplants.

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What they’re saying

“I had one foot in the grave.”

— Jeremiah Penny

“This brought a new life for me as well.”

— Diana Remick

“We had just decided that we needed to honor his wishes, because if we weren't going to get our Christmas miracle, we were going to be able to give that to other people.”

— Diana Remick

“With time and a lot of work, he got better, he got stronger, he got healthier, and he got off oxygen. Since then, it's been miraculous to see him get back to things he hasn't done in years.”

— Dr. Alice Gray, Medical Director of the lung transplant program at the University of Colorado Hospital

“If you're considering getting a lung transplant, it's no walk in the park, but if you put in the work, you can have a great life. I mean, I'm living proof of that.”

— Jeremiah Penny

What’s next

Penny and Remick plan to continue sharing their story to inspire more people to consider organ donation and help carry on the legacy of Penny's donor.

The takeaway

Jeremiah Penny's remarkable recovery and renewed ability to enjoy activities like hiking 14ers after receiving a double lung transplant at UCHealth highlights the life-changing impact of organ donation. His story, along with UCHealth's milestone of 10,000 total transplants, underscores the critical role transplant programs play in transforming and saving lives.