We’ve been telling you about Center businessman and volunteer fireman Kevin O’Connor’s medical condition that he needing a double lung transplants. Well, O’Connor had the procedure done Sunday morning and according to his wife, Saundra, is on the road to recovery.

Ms. O’Connor said her husband was up and walked about 50 feet Tuesday with a walker, and the doctors and family are excited and pleased with his progress. She added he should have been moved into a regular room yesterday.

Despite the positive progress after the double-lung transplant, Ms. O’Connor said Kevin still has a long way to go, and will have to stay in Houston from 9 to 12 months. She said he has a lot of great people working to make him better, including respiratory and physical therapist, doctors and nurses, and she said there’s no doubt, “God has put them in the perfect place.”

Saundra O’Connor would like to thank everyone for their prayers and their help in every way. She said despite Kevin’s progress, they still need your prayers.

O’Connor had a heart attack in 2008, and was diagnosed with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. There was no cure or treatment, so therefore the need for a double lung transplant.

Center Volunteer Fireman are selling chances on three guns to be given away with all proceeds going to the Kevin O’Connor family to help with expenses. You can contact any Center Fireman to purchase tickets or give donations. The tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20. Tickets are being sold now through Saturday, Aug. 2. Tickets are also available at the Center Broadcasting Company studios and at the Center Fire Department. You can also call Volunteer Fire Chief Rodney Mathews at 591-4941.

Kevin O'Connor