Lindsey Smith (Patient Care Coordinator), with Victoria’s family, BJ, Martha, and Star

“It’s a go.” 

When Victoria first realized she needed a lung transplant, she knew these words were far in the distance as she did not yet qualify to be put on the transplant list. Despite 10 years of being on oxygen and diagnoses of cystic fibrosis, multiple sclerosis, and lupus, and being wheelchair bound, she was not a candidate. Although she was initially discouraged, she took the necessary steps to get her body healthy and in a better state for a double lung transplant.

People can be on transplant lists for years. For Victoria, she had already had a long journey. After the birth of her children a decade ago, her doctors discovered that she had multiple illnesses. “Mom,” to Zion (13), BJ (9), and Star (10), her children circled her every night before bed and prayed, “God give my mama some new lungs on this side of the earth.” Victoria did not have to feel alone with her mother and family by her side. Her drive kept her going and even inspired the staff at the hospital.

One day, Victoria’s lungs collapsed suddenly and she was rushed to the hospital. Once she was on life support, the doctors finally made the decision to put her on a transplant list. The odds were stacked against her as she had a rare blood type, but once her new lungs were secured from a donor, her family members started donating all the blood they could to others, saying, “Look what was given to us.”

After surgery, UAB doctors cried tears and prayed around her bed, encouraged by her spirit. Her doctors and family were not sure if she would come out of surgery alive, so Victoria would have to let her medical team know somehow that her brain was functioning. Unable to speak, Victoria would wave her feet hello to the doctors and nurses. With a paralyzed vocal chord, her family was unsure whether she would ever speak again, which did not fit into Victoria's plan of being an inspirational speaker. 

Victoria persevered and after one more surgery, her voice was restored. To celebrate, her family had a “praise party” in the hospital. Victoria realized, “Mama, I know my calling. I’m here for a purpose.” She would finally be able to start working toward her goal of motivating others to find their passion.

Victoria’s number one wish out of the hospital? To cook a meal for her children. Apparently, rotel is on the menu. Red Mountain Grace makes a home-cooked meal possible by providing housing to Victoria and her family while she goes through treatment. Victoria’s story is the reason why RMG exists, and we know she will continue to use her newfound voice to uplift others. 

Red Mountain Grace is proud to serve families like Victoria’s. Stories like hers serve as a reminder of God’s graciousness and mercy. Each apartment is fully furnished and cleaned in order to provide gracious hospitality.