From Breathless To Boundless: A Double Lung Transplant Stonemason’s Epic Fight From Dying To Living With

Purpose

BY MARK RODRIGUEZ

There’s no denying the power of resilience.

I’ve had my fair share of hardships with two double lung transplants and countless health challenges – yet here I am. Three and a half years after my first lung transplant, I was told I had two months to live. I died on the operating table after my second lung transplant, fell into a coma that lasted for nine days, went through four more surgeries, had a month-long stay in the hospital, after which I was unable to walk and became wheelchair-bound.

and Hawaii where financial experts surrounded my young counterparts and me. On top of that, we were taking testimony in cases where numerous specifics regarding money, business, and financial concerns were discussed. I call that initial phase of my professional life, those eight years spent in the legal system, as my “past life”.

Mark Victor Hansen Honored With Lifetime Achievement Award

BY LA TRIBUNE EDITORIAL TEAM

At the grand finale of The Los Angeles Tribune’s three-day Legacy Leadership Virtual Summit last June 18, 2023, the 137-year-old media brand bestowed the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award to Mark Victor Hansen, a man who has dedicated his life to empowering individuals and inspiring positive change on a global scale. The award ceremony was broadcasted virtually from The Los Angeles Tribune’s platform – a pioneer in virtual summits, tours, and events – and streamed to virtual attendees in 23 countries.

This accolade recognized his lifelong work that has been focused on uplifting individuals and positively shaping the world. Hansen, a luminary in the self-help and personal development genre, is best known as the co-creator of the global bestseller “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series along with Jack Canfield. The iconic series has sold over half a

Despite all these, I was able to turn things around and do some tough work mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally to rebuild myself. I ran two 5k races six months after my second lung transplant, reignited my passion for stone masonry, and married the love of my life, Sandra. Now, I am speaking on different stages to inspire and empower others.

From these experiences, I have learned that tenacity isn’t about never falling but about picking yourself up, time after time. It’s all about the mindset. My recovery and the strength to push through came from a warrior mentality, and my faith and refusal to quit carried me through the most challenging times.

My story began in October of 2010 when my world turned upside down. As a thriving stonemason, I was diagnosed with silicosis, a lung disease that came from the very essence of my work – inhaling bits of silica from the rocks I cherished. The blow landed harder than any hammer I’ve ever struck my chisel with. I struggled for a year, and every breath became an ordeal. It felt like trying to breathe through a straw that was getting smaller and smaller. Then, on October 11, 2011, I found myself on a surgical table, with my lungs removed by a hammer and chisel.