Beloved Chatsworth Coach Recovers From Double Lung Transplant

CHATSWORTH, CA — Former Chatsworth Charter High School football coach Rick Hayshida is recovering after a successful double lung transplant in June.

The West Hills resident, who has also coached at Crespi Carmelite High School in Encino, Chaminade College Preparatory School in Chatsworth, and El Camino Real Charter High School in Woodland Hills, began feeling like something was wrong when he struggled to walk up stairs at a Dodgers game last July, according to an interview with Spectrum News.

He thought he had the flu or pneumonia, but was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder called interstitial lung disease, which limited him just 20 percent lung capacity. Hayshida said that he had to coach while sitting down.

As he spent the next year undergoing treatment, colleagues and community members pitched in, and a hashtag #HayashidaStrong went viral on social media. Teachers at Chatsworth donated their sick days to him. A caravan of cars drove outside his house just to wish him well. Community members donated meals to his family.

Rick, up and walking 36 hours after his 12 hour surgery! #HayashidaStrong pic.twitter.com/ZpsRUOAJwQ

"It brings tears to my eyes to know there are so many people out there that love and care for me and my family. And we just appreciate everything they’ve done for us,” Hayashida told Spectrum.

Now that Hayashida has a new pair of lungs, he’s taking some time to recover, but says he looks forward to watching his players in the stands once games games can start up again.