It is with a heart full of awe and gratitude that I announce:
Third time was the charm! Jody is out of the OR and now in the cardiovascular surgical intensive care unit (CVSICU), where he arrived at roughly 0345 this morning. Surgery was a success, but he is far from ‘out of the woods.’ He is currently sedated and a ventilator is doing all the work of breathing for him while his new lungs rest. There is hardly a square inch on his body that is not hooked up to a line, tube, or machine. They are, at this very moment, placing a thoracic epidural which will help to keep his pain under control and in turn improve his breathing (once he is doing it on his own). I am assured by the nursing team that Jody is right on target with where he needs to be in his recovery process. There is a long road ahead, especially for Jody. We covet your prayers.
I realize that I have not given you much detail; it has been a sleepless night and a busy morning. I don’t feel that I have the time (or energy) yet to write a proper post, but wanted to get something brief out to you. I do have one favor to ask. I would LOVE if you would leave comments here on the blog (instead of, or in addition to, Facebook). Blog comments can be printed out and cherished forever as we remember this journey in the years to come. I think it would be awesome for you to use this time to write something specifically to Jody so that when he wakes up he will be overwhelmed by the care and kindness of the people around him, both known and unknown. Imagine waking up to lots of lovin’! At his point, you know more than he does about what’s happening. Encourage him and show him your support. When I look at him now I am saddened that he has to go through all of this, but overwhelmed by the strength and fight he has in him. Let him know how he inspires you! Ready. Set. Go…
CF Wife 
Praying for you guys.
We’re praying for you, Jody!!! So glad to hear you have received your new set of lungs!(from friends of Michelle Smith, and also fellow Victory members)
Jody–so inspired by how hard you fight, but mostly that you do it with a smile on your face, a chuckle in your voice, and faith in your heart. So honored to walk part of this journey with you and your family.
Tiff–so proud of how you stand by Jody and care for your family. You’re an awesome lady. (And I love what you did with the JNL logo! Exactly what I pictured in my mind’s eye!)
What an amazing day!! We are so happy for Jody and your family and for the renewed life that Jody will have with his new lungs. You are all in our prayers as Jody recovers. We wish we could be there to celebrate with you and be there to help, please know that we are celebrating from here!! Praise the Lord for His hand in your lives and for the gift that he has given Jody. We’ve always know that God’s hand was on Jody from surpassing life-expectancy (we loved celebrating his 40th birthday with you guys!) to providing lungs in the perfect timing. God’s faithfulness is undeniable!
Love the Shenk Family
Our entire family has been praying for you Jody as you have been on this journey!! You have shown an amazing attitude and strength while fighting this terrible disease!! Blessings to you as you are recovering from your surgery💜
I came home from my early morning run (on a side note, I often pray for you during my runs) and like I always do, I checked out FB. The first post was from Tiffany saying you were in the OR getting your new lungs! I yelled to Mike (he was washing dishes) this awesome news and we both got a little emotional. So many thoughts and prayers running through both of our minds….we were both very excited to say the least! Mike commented that there aren’t too many people who are more deserving than you are. You have such an amazing spirit and heart. This is the first step of many in your new journey. May the “ups” be higher than you ever imagined and the “downs” be small but bring your closer to Him. Keep pushing hard Jody, with the help of God, your family and your friends, you can do this 🙂
Jody,
Kevin and keep talking about you. When Tiff called me the night you went in for the transplant, Kevin and I kept saying, this is the start of a new world for you. Kevin said, “well we were setting up a date for breakfast, and of course he would get his new lungs.” You seem to not want to hang out with us becuSe everytime we set something up you end up in the hospital.
I am planning you going for a short run with me!!!
We love you Jody! Deep breaths! I am sure it feels wonderful!
Kevin and Sheryl
Thank God for answered prayers! I will be praying for your successful recovery and the day you take your first deep breath of fresh air back in Lancaster County with your family and friends.
So incredibly excited to hear this!!! Thinking of you all and praying that God keeps him strong so he can start this next phase of your long journey! Surrounding you with warm hugs!!!
We are so glad to hear your surgery day has come! We will be continuing to prayer for a wonderful recovery as you more forward in this new journey in your life. Doug and the guys and Groff and Groff Lumber will be ready for you when you can get back to your wood working!😃 stay strong through the recovery process and be lifted up by all the prayers and kind thoughts coming your way for you and your beautiful wife and daughters!
Blessings,
Charity and Doug Grove
Jody,
Praise the Lord for your new Lungs!! We are praying for you as you recover and adjust to your new Lungs. We think of you often and love to hear updates!
Tiffany we are praying for you as you adjust as his wife, and the girls as they get to enjoy many more memories with their daddy!! God is sooo Good!!
Del, Lionnie, Everette & Nora D.
Jody, Praise the lord for your new lungs.. So many people have been walking this journey with you, praying for this day to come. And it has. god has chosen to give you anew breath of life, and I know you will make a full recovery. You are a strong man in life and in god, and it shows to everyone around you. May the road ahead be full of new experiences and not many hurdles. You had enough of them already. God bless you Jody! Tiff, Just wanted to let you know too that you are an inspiration to so may, including me. You strength has been incredible thorough this journey, and your a good wife. Standing by his side through thick and thin. Jody is very lucky to have you. I know it hasnt always been easy, and I am sure there were times it got the best of you and him, but your strength has shone through. Prayers to you Jody and the girls, as you continue on the road to recovery. I love you all.
Jody,
You are an inspiration to all of us. You have been through so much, but continue to persevere through all of it. I know your faith in God will get you through your recovery. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers daily. Looking forward to seeing your beautiful smiling face as you recover.
We are so excited for Jody and your family. Your post about being in surgery was the first post I read this morning. I was happy to wake Kim to give her the awesome news. It’s hard to believe after seeing him yesterday that in less than 24 hours he’s received the transplant, and now on his new journey to recovery. We will continue to pray for Jody and your family. If there’s anything we can do please let us know.
Rejoicing with all of you! Continue to keep us posted as he recovers. Love and Prayers
Jody’s inner strength and positive attitude always encourages me…he’s a great friend. Blessings to both of you guys and your girls. This is a fight that I know he will give everything he’s got.
God is Great, I am so happy for you and your family Jody. My prayers will continue for your healing and a long fine life ahead of you. With Gods love! Claudia Willson
Dear Jody, as you know Tiffamy called me when you were on your way to John Hopkins. I imediately started to pray for you and for Dr. Shah and the whole OR team. Your surgery was a success and now we move on to praying for your full and complete recovery!! You are such an incredible inspiration to all of us that watch you walk through this journey God has set you on. I can’t wait for the day when you can tell us all how much better you are feeling. Angels are surrounding you even now! Love you and Tiffany so much!
You’re a beast Jody! You’ve been so strong this whole time, for you and your family, and it’s paying huge dividends now. ANd of course we’re praying and giving thanks to God for this blessing. All things work for His glory!
Dear Jody, I am so happy that you received your new lungs. God has answered your prayers. I know you have a long way to recovery and you are in great hands with the hospital staff and God by your side. I know I have not met you and Tiff but I feel like I have. You have a wonderful mother who is taking care of the girls. My husband and I will continue to pray for a speedy recovery.
You are both in my thoughts and prayers………I know what you’re going through. God is good. Hugs…. 🙂
So incredibly excited to see this news!! Prayers for Jody and his family for his recovery and may he live a long and healthy life with his new lungs!!!
Jody,
I knew you back in high school, but lost touch over the years. I often wondered how you were.
I am so glad i found your wife’s blog and could share on your story! I am so happy for you and wish you all the best! Here’s hoping your recovery will be swift and without setbacks. I will continue to keep you in my prayers. There are bright days ahead!!
Kelly (fox) Noll
God is faithful!! Praying for strength for you and your family as you go through recovery! You’ve inspired many with your positive outlook and persistance through this journey! Yay for new lungs!
Dear Jody, I was so happy to hear you got new lungs. My family has been thinking and praying for you during this long journey. My son Collin went to preschool with Tabitha. Tiffany’s posts have been an inspiration to me; and I can remember days when you would be at the pre-school center dropping off or picking up Tabitha – always with a smile and a friendly hello. May God bless you during your recovery. May God be a watchful eye over you and your beautiful, amazing girls! “May this journey bring a blessing; May I rise on wings of faith. And at the end of my hearts testing, with Your likeness let me wake.” (Jesus Draw me Ever Nearer)
God is so good!! Words can’t tell you how happy we are! We will continue to pray for all of you! So happy!!!! Blessings!
Hallelujah! Lots of emotion and rejoicing in our house upon hearing the news! We pray for you and your family every day and can’t wait to hear about your first breath with those amazing new lungs! God is good! Keep us posted.
Hey Jodie: So happy about the transplant–yea for you and your family!! You are a rock star! What an example of patience and strength you are for your family, especially your girls. After watching you they should believe that they can do anything. You are so blessed to have those adorable little ones and such a magnificient wife. You are so loved even by those of us that only know you thru Tiffany. Please be strengthened by the knowledge that we “minions” are out here pulling for you.
Praise God for His goodness!
We are praying for you all and a speedy recovery.
Love & Prayers,
I worked with your mom for 9 years at Ephrata. Heard lots about you and your family. Best of luck… wishing you all kinds of strength and courage. God Bless!!
Oh you dear family! I was so happy to wake this morning and see the amazing news that you received your lungs! Praying you will heal nicely and gain strength each day to come! My heart is with you all as I know this process is hard one! (Kurt had his bone marrow transplant Sept. 27, 2012) So, put all hope and trust in the God who has brought you to this wonderful day.
Blessings to all,
Julie Holtzer
AWESOME! So excited for Jody and praying for a speedy transition with his new lungs!! Praying lots as always, and of course let me know if there is anything at all I can do to help! I’m going to assume dinner tomorrow night is out, but let me know if some night I can bring over dinner for you and the fam!
Sorry to cancel on you, but I guess I have a good enough excuse. 🙂
I don’t know either of you but I go to victory and my
Son also goes to preschool with one of your children. I have been praying for this day for you! I used to know a transplant surgeon and an anthesthist athopkins. I’m praying for special provision over all the healthcare workers who are touching your lives right now! I hope to meet you in the future and see you both when Jody is healthy! Blessings, Annie
I don’t know either of you but I go to victory and my
Son also goes to preschool with one of your children. I have been praying for this day for you! I used to know a transplant surgeon and an anthesthist athopkins. I’m praying for special provision over all the healthcare workers who are touching your lives right now! I hope to meet you in the future and see you both when Jody is healthy! Blessings, Annie
Dear Jody,
You are truly an inspiration to me. If I am having a rough time with my health, I think of you and the grace you show with your illness. I have been praying for you to get your new lungs and couldn’t be happier for you n your family. I will continue to pray for a speedy recovery and hope to see you and the family at my pool next summer with no tubes attached!
Jody, I was so excited to wake up and find the very first post on my Facebook page was that you were in the OR getting new lungs!!!! May you heal quickly and breathe deeply!
Jody, We feel like this is your birthday! Best wishes for a lifetime of deep breaths! Hugs and prayers, Anne and Joel
Praise God!
What a FABULOUS announcement! So glad to hear this. We will be praying for your speedy recovery and for a long and healthy life with your family!
Jody and Tiff – what an inspiration you both are. You have an awesome family. Two beautiful girls. Here’s to many better – activity filled – days ahead!
Praising The Lord with you for this Gift that Jody has received. Prayers are sent up for quick healing! I know that you both will be “breathing in His grace and Breathing out His Praise”! Hugs to you from an old WBH friend! Hang in there Jody! God has much planned for your new life!
Hi Tiffany,
We were all in the nursery this morning when Becky told us about Jody. We were crying and cheering and stunned. Alyssa led us in prayer. We prayed for you, Jody, and your family, as well as the doctors and nurses caring for Jody. It was a very touching moment.
I am continuing to pray for you all. I can’t stop thinking about you. Please keep us in touch as much as you can.
I love you all so much.
Marian
Jody,
We are praying for you. Your incredible journey continues, and only God can give you the kind of strength you need, the kind that no man can possess on his own. You are going through something that most people cannot fully understand. We offer our prayers and our wishes for many more years with your beautiful family.
Tiffany,
We are praying for you too, of course. It must not be easy to be going through this as a wife and mother. We are, however, very happy that this time has come for you all, and wish you strength, peace, patience, and rest throughout the coming weeks.
Love,
Laura, Skip, & Jasper
Hi Tiffany,
I checked my e-mail this morning at work, saw your blog and had to read it twice before it finally sunk in…Jody HAS lungs!!! I let Beth know right away. Of course she cried with happiness. She said she had been thinking so much about Jody yesterday and wanted you to know that at 7:45PM she was doing dishes and talking to God about Jody. Don’t know when you got the call but want you to know he was lifted up in prayer.
We were also talking about how it had been so long since we saw you two and then we get to see you and talk with you yesterday. All the time, God knew what was about to take place. God always continue to amaze me.
I look forward to your blogs and that first time he opens his eyes and sees you. My head is spinning with all the wonderful blessings in store.
No matter what time of the day or night, someone is praying for your family. I’ve said many 2AM prayers, so never feel alone.
Love,
Pat
God is good!!!! Praise God for new lungs….Praying that God watches over Jody and that he has a speedy recovery 🙂
Prayers have been coming since Sheryl told me Jody was going. I woke up a few times to a text and again, I could pray for safety of Jody, strength for Tiffany, the skilled hands of the doctors and peace for everyone at home. So happy for the smoothness to this lung transplant. Now, continued prayers for healing, and strength, content waiting times, peace, energy, and best of all pure sweet breaths!
You are loved by us!
Prayers for your family, the donor’s family, all involved with Jody’s care, etc. May each of you feel the presence of Jesus very closely during this time!
I was scrolling through FB while taking my 4am lunch break at WBH when I saw the great news! We only met you briefly at Chik-fil-a, but my family and I are so excited for you and your family, and we will continue to pray for you.
Jody, our prayers have been answered by our awesome Lord & Savior. ” Now is the time”, He says. “Now is your time.” He is breathing in you a new breath of life. His life. He knows you are a fighter, a warrior. He knows you have strength. His strength. He knows this is the perfect pair of lungs for you & the perfect time to receive them. He has all good things in store for you & your beautiful family as He comforts another family. He is a Healer & a Comforter.
I can’t imagine all the mixed emotions of this miraculous day. Our comfort rested in knowing that God was & is still in control & that you were surrendered to Him no matter the outcome. What a loving God we serve.
We are praying for an uncomplicated recovery & renewed strength. We know you & we know that you can do this no matter how rough the road may get because this journey will take you back to your beautiful family. God has given you the best help mate in Tiffany. She is the perfect match for you as you well know; all orchestrated by our all-
knowing Lord.
Blessings our friend. Receive His gift, accept it with thanksgiving & recover in His healing.
Your HOPE is in Him & He has delivered. We love you!!
We were so happy to hear the wonderful news!!!!
Hope you recover very soon, take care! : )
So excited to hear this fabulous news!! Praying for a speedy recovery!! Blessings to you and your sweet family Tiffany! All of us at WBH that follow Jody’s story are praying for him and your entire family! Praise God!!