Two brothers now share an even stronger bond as one stepped forward to secure a life-saving procedure for the other.
Earnest Ferguson from Georgia found himself hospitalized two years ago due to complications arising from a lung disease he contracted during his service in the Navy. WKOW reported the heartbreaking news that he needed a double lung transplant and a dedicated caregiver. His brother, Robert, who resides in Texas, recognized it was his responsibility to provide assistance.
As per the Mayo Clinic, a lung transplant involves surgically replacing a diseased or failing lung with a healthy one, typically sourced from a deceased donor.
While Earnest anxiously awaited the chance for a life-saving transplant, his condition deteriorated. Finally, a call arrived from William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin.
Without hesitation, Robert immediately traveled to Georgia, carefully settled his younger brother into the car, and raced to the Wisconsin hospital to ensure Earnest received the life-saving treatment he desperately needed.
“To me, love is the action word. I don’t care who tells you that they love you, if there’s no action behind what they’re saying, it’s still just words,” he told WKOW.
Earnest’s assessment, admission, placement on the transplant list, and the subsequent surgery occurred swiftly, all taking place within a span of just 20 days. His recovery is progressing remarkably well.
“His brother drove from Texas to Georgia to Wisconsin to make sure he received two new lungs and has been by his side for four months of recovery,” the hospital said in a social media post on Tuesday:
“He’s humble and has a smile that lights up a room. Meet Earnest Ferguson. Sir, thank you (and your family) for your service!” it continued.
