Nampa teen Gauge Edwards is back in the lineup after undergoing a double lung transplant to combat cystic fibrosis. His new lungs allowing him to play baseball for the first time in years.
"I've always wanted to play since I was young. I played a little bit in little leagues but then I couldn't play again because I couldn't run," said Gauge.
On Sunday in Nampa, his friends and family threw him a welcome home party, themed after his favorite pass time. Doctors at Texas Children's Hospital performed the lifesaving surgery, and now Gauge is back in school and breathing a lot easier. His lung function is now charting at 98% and at its worst, it was in the low 20's.
"I think when they first started charting his lung function he was in the low 70's or high 60's so he has never been this healthy and never been able to breathe this easy before," explained Trish Edwards, Gauge's mom.
Gauge's journey hasn't been easy, in Texas after the transplant he and his family narrowly escaped the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey.
"There were tornados landing right around us so that was kind of freaky but other than that we weren't too worried," said Gauge.
Gauge's family says that while one journey has ended, another one is just beginning. He's now training for the Transplant Games of America this summer. Gauge also wants to meet the family of the donor to thank them in person. He and his family say all of this wouldn't have been possible without the support from the community.
"There is not much of a way to describe it, it feels so nice, it feels so great to have so many people here that care about you," said Gauge.
The Transplant Games of America will be held in Salt Lake City next August. Gauge won't be competing in baseball, but road cycling instead and has already started training.
