Craig Pruett Speaks at Gadsden State Community College
Gadsden, AL – Just a few years ago, Craig Pruett was in the fight of his life—hooked up to machines, battling a severe case of COVID-19, and facing odds few could survive. At the time, he was serving as an SBI agent with ALEA, committed to protecting others before his world came to a sudden halt.
Today, Pruett is a double lung transplant survivor who continues to push forward with courage and faith. His remarkable story is one of grit, resilience, and determination. Now, he shares that journey to encourage and uplift others—proving that with commitment and inner strength, anything is possible.
Pruett spoke about his journey Thursday at Helderman Hall on the Wallace Drive Campus of Gadsden State Community College. The audience included law enforcement officials, students, athletes, college staff, and members of the local community.
Dr. Kathy Murphy, President of Gadsden State, welcomed the attendees. Etowah County Sheriff Jonathan Horton followed, offering a moving introduction by reading Pruett’s biography. Gadsden State Police Chief Jay Freeman then described the profound transformation Pruett underwent during his time in the hospital, setting the stage for Pruett to share his powerful testimony.
Pruett recounted how his battle began with a hospitalization that lasted 269 days—more than 200 of those on a ventilator. During that time, he endured a medically induced coma and even technically died for four minutes and six seconds before being revived by hospital staff. His survival looked uncertain for a long time, but the unwavering support of his family—especially his wife—played a crucial role in helping him hold on.
After a period in a long-term care facility, where he once again found himself on a ventilator, Pruett was transferred back to Riverview Regional Medical Center. The prolonged immobility and intense strain on his body left him unable to even roll over in bed. He told the student-athletes in the audience how he drew strength from his days as a Gadsden State student-athlete and his law enforcement training. “Your mind will give out before your body will,” he said, emphasizing the power of mental toughness and perseverance.
His recovery was grueling. He faced physical therapy, hospice care, and numerous surgeries: heart valve replacement, Achilles and foot surgery, throat reconstruction from ventilator damage, and ultimately, a life-saving double lung transplant. At one point, he was sent home on hospice, requiring 24-hour care and constant oxygen. Initially deemed too weak to survive a transplant, Pruett had to build his strength just to be eligible for the procedure.
When he received the call that a donor match had been found, he was overcome with emotion. The donor, Jacob—a 36-year-old man who died of an aneurysm—had chosen to be an organ donor. Pruett now breathes with Jacob’s lungs and spoke with deep gratitude and humility about the gift of life he received.
Though he is doing well, Pruett emphasized that the journey is far from over. As a transplant recipient, even a minor illness can have serious consequences. Still, he continues to fight each day, proving that discipline, toughness, and faith can carry a person through the darkest of times.
“You can’t really grow until it hurts,” he said, closing his talk with a message of resilience and hope. Sharing his full story publicly for the first time, Pruett left a lasting impact on those in attendance. His message was clear: we are capable of far more than we realize, the will to survive is powerful, and giving the gift of life through organ donation can make a world of difference.
