Two-time lung transplant recipient to participate in Hustle Chicago climb

For many participants in the Hustle Chicago Stair Climb®, reaching the 94th floor of the former Hancock building is no easy feat, but for members of the Loyola Medicine team, the journey marks a significant milestone in their health journeys. On February 22, Mark Lakoduk, a two-time lung transplant recipient, completed the Hustle Chicago climb for the seventh time. Last Sunday’s 1,632-step charity climb supports people living with lung disease and promotes clean air.   

Lakoduk was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema in 2006. When his health began to decline in 2015, he visited doctors at Loyola Medicine. He struggled with daily activities and his worsening condition made it necessary for him to go on disability. In 2016, he was added to the transplant list and was grateful to receive a double lung transplant. After eight years, Lakoduk entered chronic rejection and required another single lung transplant, which he received in 2024. Today, he says he feels great and is thankful to have his life back – again. 

Loyola lung transplant patient makes annual commitment to Hustle Chicago Stair Climb

“I heard about Hustle Chicago before my first lung transplant, and I made the commitment then that if I’m able to get healthy after my transplant, I would do it every year I’m able to do it,” said Lakoduk. “I’ve kept my word and I’ve been doing it ever since.” 

Lakoduk doesn’t make this journey alone. Pulmonologist Daniel Dilling, MD, medical director of lung transplantation at Loyola Medicine, has been climbing with Hustle Chicago for nearly 20 years. The roughly 50-member team representing Loyola consists of colleagues, family, friends, former patients and family members climbing on behalf of their loved ones. Last year, just before the climb began, Dr. Dilling spotted Lakoduk, who was less than one year out from his second transplant at the time, waiting on the first floor. Dr. Dilling decided on the spot to climb with him. 

Using his smart watch, Lakoduk monitored his vitals as they began the 94-floor journey. “It was quite an accomplishment for someone who had a second transplant less than a year before,” said Dr. Dilling. “It was heartwarming to see.”

Each year, Lakoduk looks forward to being reunited with his wife and daughter, who wait for him on the 94th floor to celebrate. “It’s a great feeling to get to the top after what I’ve been through.”

Transplant recipient gives hope to others waiting for lung transplantation

Lakoduk is proud to be a positive example in the transplant community and to give hope to others who are considering or waiting for a transplant. For the past seven years, every Thursday, Lakoduk has been returning to Loyola to visit other transplant patients. He works with social workers to identify patients who may have an emotional or educational need. With their permission, he visits their rooms and provides information and advice to patients and their families. 

“I've been through it twice, so I know how scary the process is,” said Lakoduk. “I just try to ease their mind as best I can.” 

He also leaves contact information for any patients who may want to speak with him in the future. He stays in contact with many of those he's helped.

“He’ll meet with these folks and sometimes their families and give them some sage advice and maybe a pep talk,” said Dr. Dilling. “Patients are constantly speaking about him as someone who helped them through the hard times.”

The Loyola team completed their climb this weekend. Many of whom, including Dr. Dilling, crossed the finish line and then headed straight back to the hospital to care for patients like Lakoduk.