Tameka Chauka: Breathing New Life

My name is Tameka, and I received a lifesaving double lung transplant.

Back in 2007, I was a couple of years into my career at Amtrak as a train conductor when I found myself constantly fatigued and experiencing so many respiratory issues that trips to the hospital became frequent. After much cause for concern over my symptoms, I was finally diagnosed with lupus and my life changed forever. At the time, I didn’t fully understand the journey ahead, but I was determined to keep pushing forward even with my breathing struggles. I still went on to marry my husband Ajamu in 2009 and build a beautiful life with him. Years later, we would welcome our amazing daughter Malia into the world.

For a long time, I fought through the challenges that lupus brought. It was difficult to get up in the mornings for work and I had no energy for my social life, but nonetheless I persisted for myself and my family. Unfortunately, I contracted COVID-19 during the pandemic, which required temporary supplemental oxygen and from there my health took a turn for the worse.

Soon after, I was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary fibrosis. Both conditions made simple tasks—like taking care of my daughter—nearly impossible. As my condition worsened, I became dependent on supplemental oxygen, and everyday life became a battle. By June 2023, it was clear that I needed a double lung transplant to survive.

Prior to my diagnoses, I didn’t know much about organ and tissue donation. I knew I had the heart on my license after signing up to be an organ donor at my local motor vehicle office but I didn’t give it much thought beyond that. But once the possibility of a transplant was raised, I did all the research I could to prepare myself. Doctor added me to the national transplant waiting list on November 29, 2023. I waited 63 days for the call that would change my life. On January 30, 2024, that call finally came.

Tameka and her daughter Malia pre and post-transplant.

I remember my phone rang at 10:30 p.m. as I was getting ready for bed. The next thing I know is that I’m rushing to gather my things. I had been praying and counting the days and I was about to find out if my miracle was really coming. Once I got to the hospital, I was a bundle of excitement and nerves; everything started out fast paced but turned into a waiting game the next day to see if the surgery was still a go. Finally, after hours of anticipation, we got the greenlight…and on January 31, 2024, I was given the gift of new lungs from a generous deceased organ donor.

I’ll never forget the feeling of waking up to my breathing tube being removed…it felt incredible to breathe on my own again. 

Three months into recovery and the rediscovering of my independence, I received a letter from my lung donor’s mother. She wrote to me about my donor hero and her late son and shared her contact info. Ever since receiving that letter, we have been in touch and I’m so grateful she gave me the opportunity to connect with her and her family. I am forever grateful for my donor, whose selfless gift gave me a second lease on life. Not a day goes by that I don’t honor him and the incredible blessing he gave me. I thank God for keeping me alive throughout this entire process—through every challenge, every moment of uncertainty and every victory.

Today, I am thriving.

I have walked a breast cancer 5k. I’ve returned to work remotely. I get to watch my active, kindhearted nine-year-old daughter grow up and join her in her adventures.

I discovered the Donate Life ambassador program with Infinite Legacy through a transplant support group about four months after being placed on the wait list, and to this day I am still a proud ambassador passionately raising awareness about organ, eye and tissue donation to give hope to others still waiting. I’ve gotten the opportunity to take part in school health events and even share my transplant story on Fox 45 in Baltimore, not to mention meet and befriend incredible and inspiring people since becoming a volunteer. 

I am also a proud member of the Lambda Sigma Sigma Lupus Sorority, where we advocate for lupus awareness and support others so they don’t have to fight this disease alone. Additionally, I lead Girl Scout troop 21105 in Morningside, MD, mentoring and empowering young girls to be confident and strong. Beyond my health journey, my faith continues to be my foundation. I am a part of Glory Carriers, a Christian sisterhood that provides support for women walking in their purpose. Through this group I am able to uplift others in faith, just as God has strengthened me. Most importantly, I dedicate my time to helping others with illnesses find strength and live their best lives despite their diagnoses. My journey has been one of resilience, faith and gratitude. Every breath I take is a reminder of the second chance I’ve been given, and I’m committed to making every moment count.

Organ donation is a selfless gift that can save and transform lives. As a transplant recipient myself, I know firsthand how life-changing it can be. If you’re unsure if being an organ donor is the right decision for you, take the time to learn about the impact you could have—one donor can save up to eight lives. It’s a powerful way to leave a lasting legacy of hope.

More Information

• The Lupus Foundation of America estimates that 1.5 million Americans, and at least five million people worldwide, have a form of lupus.

• 90% of people living with lupus are women.

• Most people with lupus develop the disease between the ages of 15-44.

• There are more than 100,000 people in the U.S. waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant; fewer than 1% are waiting for lungs.

• Tameka was one of the 3,340 lung recipients in the U.S. in 2024.

(sources: lupus.org and unos.org)

You can save lives like Tameka’s. Get the facts and register as an organ, eye and tissue donor at infinitelegacy.org