For more than two decades, Karen Kightly has quietly and compassionately changed the lives of hundreds of lung transplant patients and their families through her generous support of the Lung Transplant Quarters.

What began as a place to stay became so much more. Under Karen’s care and stewardship, the Lung Transplant Quarters provided comfort during uncertainty, peace during recovery, and hope during some of life’s most difficult moments. Patients arriving far from home found not only an immaculate and welcoming environment, but also warmth, kindness, and the reassurance that someone truly cared about their journey.

Over the last 10 years, countless transplant recipients, caregivers, and families passed through the doors of the Lung Transplant Quarters while receiving life-saving care through the transplant program at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center. For many, those accommodations eased a tremendous financial and emotional burden during an already overwhelming time.

Karen’s dedication extended far beyond simply maintaining a property. She created a space of dignity, comfort, and healing. Her attention to detail, generosity of spirit, and unwavering support of the transplant community reflected the very heart of the mission of the Lung Transplant Support Organization (LTSO).

As Karen begins a new chapter in her life, we pause to recognize the profound impact she has made on this community. Her legacy lives on in every patient who found strength there, every caregiver who found relief, and every life touched by her compassion.

On behalf of the transplant community, LTSO volunteers, sponsors, supporters, transplant social workers, and the dedicated staff of St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, we offer our deepest gratitude.

Karen, thank you for 10 remarkable years of service, generosity, and heart. Your kindness has left a lasting imprint on this community, and your contributions will never be forgotten.

With heartfelt appreciation,
The Lung Transplant Support Organization (LTSO)