"Lung brothers" share the gift of life

CBS News | Michelle Castillo


CLEVELAND, Ohio We have many things to be thankful for this year, but Joe Gammalo and Clyde Conn are especially thankful for each other and the lung donor that saved both of their lives.

Both men received one lung each from the same person. It created a lasting bond that has led them to call each other "lung brothers."

"When I stop to think about getting a single lung transplant, you save two lives versus getting two lungs where you only save one," Conn said.

For years, Conn, now 73, had an unknown lung disease that clogged up his lungs and created scar tissue, leaving him gasping for oxygen. Tests after tests didn't reveal anything specific besides the fact that Conn was dying. Meanwhile, Gammalo, also 73, had also been diagnosed with the same unknown lung disease and had the same dire prognosis. The two men had never met before.
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Photo: Joe and Clyde: Lung transplant brothers
Clyde Conn and Joe Gammalo, both 73 now, didn't know each other when they were diagnosed with the same unknown lung disease. After being put on the transplant list in December 2007 and May 2008 respectively, they both received a call on July 31, 2008 that they would be receiving one lung each from the same donor. The two share a unique bond and have become what they call "lung brothers."
Clyde Conn (left), Joe Gammalo and their wives reunite at a Cleveland Clinic event for lung transplant survivors.
CREDIT: Cleveland Clinic

{Register to be an organ,eye and tissue donor. To learn how, www.donatelife.net or www.organdonor.gov}

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