Cystic Fibrosis is a progressive lung disease and in the United States affects over 30,000 families. My family is one of them. At the age of 9 months, I was diagnosed with C.F. and my mother was told I may not make it past the age of 5. With all the medical challenges put before us, my family and I fought hard to get me where I am today. I’m 26, I’ve graduated college, have a career and I am happily married. As wonderfully blessed as I have been, I was faced with a new hurdle in order to survive – double lung transplant.

On June 19, 2010 I recieved a call that would give me a new life. I recieved my lung transplant, and recovered quickly – faster than any of the doctors or nurses predicted. I was released from the hospital less than a month later, with few limitations and many aspirations. Breathing has made life easier, and has made me love every second even more so. I will forever be grateful to the donor, and their family for giving me the opportunity to live, dance, and laugh… but most of all be with the ones I love even longer.

Medical expenses for transplant are not cheap, whether you have insurance or not. This was not a surprise to us, and so we began fundraising as soon as I knew I would need new lungs. Everyday, there are more and more bills in the mailbox for things such as surgery co-pays, and medications I will need to be on for the rest of my life. This is why I am asking for help. These costs add up each and every day, and though breathing is has been a beautiful experience- seeing the costs can take your breath away! I thank each and every one of you who have spent time reading my story, sharing it, fundraising, praying and donating. May you be blessed with health, happiness, and most importantly love – because you deserve nothing less.