RAGBRAI rider returns to event after double lung transplant

ONAWA, Iowa —

A RAGBRAI rider who inspired thousands two years ago is back on the road this week.

Barbara Heenan became known as the “Oxygen Girl” after completing the ride with oxygen tanks strapped to her bike while waiting for a life-saving lung transplant.

It was amazing to pass other people, like, wow, I really am. I’m still alive, and I’m still here. I am breathing, and what an amazing gift that is,” Heenan said.

Heenan received a double lung transplant last December and is riding this year’s route without oxygen.

Now, she’s using her journey to encourage others to become organ donors, saying that gift made it possible for her to get back on the bike she loves.

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