Holly Szmutko

Holly was born and raised in Valparaiso, Indiana. In 2019 she was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension. Holly was given 2-3 years to live. She did as many treatments as she could tolerate to keep her illness from progressing. No matter what route the doctors took, Holly became more sick. She was listed for a double lung transplant on 2/25/21 and was transplanted on 5/5/21.

Even with setbacks, Holly does her best to advocate for those with pulmonary hypertension and organ and tissue donation! Besides advocacy work, she enjoys the arts, music, her 25 year old cat, Roxy, and learning to play guitar. Holly enjoys walking along the beach and taking small road trips with her significant other. Holly looks forward to serving on the CKF board and bringing more awareness to truths and myths regarding organ transplants. She believes with her knowledge of 25 years as a medical assistant and an actual transplant patient will help her further the cause.