We’re honored to highlight one of our own, Sarah Housman, who has turned an unimaginable medical journey into one of triumph, strength, and purpose.
Sarah was born with cystic fibrosis, a condition that ultimately led her to undergo a double-lung transplant in 2019. Then, after battling COVID-19, her body rejected the new lungs, and she needed a second double-lung transplant in 2023. This type of procedure is extremely rare and high-risk. It represents just a small percentage of all lung transplants performed nationally. Tampa Bay 28 (WFTS)+1
Growing stronger every day, Sarah recently celebrated the two-year anniversary of her second transplant, an achievement she still finds surreal. Now she’s turning that strength and gratitude into action by training with focus and purpose, and she’s getting ready to compete on the global stage at the 2025 World Transplant Games in Dresden, Germany. She’ll be swimming backstroke for Team USA.
Here’s a glimpse of what makes Sarah’s story so powerful, and how it inspires our work at Made Possible Personal Training in St. Petersburg, Florida:
Courage Meets Determination
After her first transplant, Sarah discovered things she never thought possible, hiking, running, enjoying life with a freedom she hadn’t known before. Then COVID hit, and with it, a setback that tested her both physically and mentally. Navigating that low period took grit and resilience. Made Possible Personal Training
Rare Surgery, Remarkable Recovery
According to Dr. Gundars Katlaps, Surgical Director of the Advanced Lung Disease & Transplant Center at Tampa General Hospital, repeat double-lung transplants are exceptionally uncommon. That makes Sarah’s recovery all the more incredible. Tampa Bay 28 (WFTS)+1
Healing in the Water
Sarah has been training consistently, spending time in the pool four days a week. Swimming isn’t just sport for her, it’s therapy. After blood clotting issues and the demands of recovery, swimming became a doctor-recommended way to build cardiovascular health and speed up healing. It also prepares her for the endurance challenges in competitive backstroke.
When asked what her future looks like now, Sarah put it simply: “Just keep moving forward.” And onward she goes, fueled by gratitude and a renewed lease on life.
At Made Possible Personal Training, We Believe in Purpose-Driven Fitness
Sarah’s story fuels our commitment to personalized, purposeful fitness. Whether someone is recovering from major surgery, training to prevent osteoporosis, or older and building mobility and confidence, we’re here to guide each person where they are.
Want the best personal trainers in St. Petersburg who care about your story, your body, and your goals? Whether you’re looking for senior training, strength work, or athlete-level preparation, we’ll meet you where you’re at, and help you go further safely and confidently.
Sarah, we’re standing with you every stroke of the way.
Your journey reminds us why movement matters now, and for the long haul.
