A Jasper County Sheriff's deputy who has been fighting for his life received the ultimate Christmas present from a complete stranger.
Deputy Glenn Blank is recovering following a successful lung transplant on Christmas Eve. His close personal friend Deputy Rod Carroll told 12News on Monday that Blank's lungs are functioning well and he is no longer on a respirator or supplemental oxygen.
Deputy Blank's wife posted encouraging news to her Facebook page. She said, “Look who is doing great! He got up for the first time in over a week and walked to his chair. So proud of this man!”
Last week Deputy Blank experienced lung failure leaving him hospitalized in critical condition in Houston waiting for a suitable to donor so that he could undergo a lung transplant.
HELP | GoFundMe for Glenn Bank
Blank's wife, Mandi shared on Facebook that a Houston man donated all of his organs to save others.
She noted in the post that his surgeon has been doing transplants for 30 years and that he is one of the best at Houston Methodist Hospital.
"Everyone please continue to pray that the transplant goes smoothly and that the young man donating his organs knows Jesus and understands what an impact he will have on so many right here at Christmas," Mandi Blank said in the Facebook post before the surgery.
The sheriff's office and community have come together to support the man who dedicated his life to helping others working first as a paramedic and then later becoming a deputy.
"Talk about a Christmas Eve present! The gift of life is the best present ever!," Mandi Blank said on Facebook.
