She's carried the Olympic torch. She's a mom of a beautiful 5 year old named Liam. She has been hailed as one of Boston's Exceptional Women of the Year. HBO Real Sports covered her story for two years running. Sports magazines have featured her as a top inspirational Athlete.  She runs.
But Dottie Lessard is not your average overachieving jock. In addition to all of the accolades she has received she has also been given gifts worth more than money or fame. Dottie is a double transplant recipient, having had both kidney and lung transplant procedures, gifts that have allowed her to push ahead with her dreams and ambitions. She didn't allow her physical challenges to deter her from her life's mission of reaching out to others via her competitive endeavors.

Here, Dottie shares a few thoughts on her experiences.
Dottie:  “I remember after my lung transplant waking up from my coma and thanking my surgeon Dr.Wain for saving my life.  He smiled and as he placed his hand on my shoulder said “I didn’t save you, you did by keeping yourself in the shape you did”  I knew at that moment every tear I shed or pain I inflicted by pushing to live and stay strong mattered and would matter to myself and others for the rest of my life.  WE saved my life.  Everyone who loved and supported me.  My family, friends and inspirations, my doctors and nurses, God and my donor and his family.”

Dottie:
"It seem SO WIERD but I can remember watching fitness competitions while awaiting my lung transplant and although I had BIG dreams I NEVER dreamed I would one day be able to do a fitness routine and end up in the magazine as a fitness competitor. Dreams Do Come True and Hard Work Does Pay Off!
So does believing in yourself and having people around you believe in you also- I have been very blessed!
As I said in my speech round of my last fitness show where I placed second,   "I believe your health and well-being is a gift that should be unwrapped every day."

July 2007 Ms. Fitness Magazine - Success Story

"My hero Anika and I"

“Seeing HOPE within a child’s eyes when they look up and see that I too have what they have, is better than any medal or reward I will ever receive”

Picture I drew in 1993 while awaiting my lungs

“ "You become what you think about most - empower yourself to believe!” - Dottie