Lungs for Carrie: Stop and Smell the Roses
“Smell the roses, blow out the candles” is a mantra used in rehab to remind patients to breathe in through the nose, and then to exhale slowly, pursing the lips as if blowing out candles on a birthday cake. But for us, it’s also a daily reminder to find joy in the small moments. Late in 2024 Carrie was diagnosed with Interstitial Lung Disease, complicated by Sjogren’s Syndrome and Short Telomere Syndrome. After a challenging 2025, we have reached a turning point and are grateful and excited to begin the evaluation process for a double lung transplant at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). Because of her complex condition, UPMC’s expertise in higher-risk cases is our best path forward.
We are working to raise money through the nonprofit organization Help Hope Live to fund the “transplant gap” of non-covered medical expenses. We chose to fundraise with Help Hope Live because any donations you make are tax deductible and the organization ensures that funds will only be used to cover appropriate medical and transplant related expenses.
Updates (3)
April 10, 2026
Carrie passed away April 6th due to complications from her lung disease and Sjogrens Syndrome. She was pain free, well taken care of, with her husband and children with her. Anyone who ever met Carrie knows of her joyful spirit, chaotic mischief, and deep love for her family. If you lost her in a crowd (which happened a lot since she was 5'3" tall), you could be sure to hear her laugh two blocks away, and she was probably making best friends with a stranger, giving them life advice, and getting invited to their wedding. She will be missed by every person whose life she touched.
March 28, 2026
It has been a rough week. Carrie got 3 vaccines on Saturday and felt a little run-down on Sunday. Instead of getting better, she just kept feeling worse and worse. On Tuesday evening she started having difficulty breathing and we called "911". She was admitted to the hospital and they got her stabilized and ran a bunch of tests. We still don't know what triggered her ILD to go on the attack, but attack it did. We were planning to drive to Pittsburgh next week to complete the final stages of the Transplate Evaluation process. Yesterday all the doctors consulted with each other and concluded that there was no way we were going to drive, and instead they ordered a transfer to UPMC. So today Carrie was flown by air ambulance from Kansas to Pittsburgh where they will continue her treatments and complete the Transplant Evaluation process. Greg is flying out tomorrow to join her. We don't know the long term plan. We don't know when she will be released from the hospital. We don't have any idea on how we would both get back home. We are playing this day by day. Carrie is keeping up a great attitude, making jokes, and talking to everyone. Please see the pictures by clicking on the links below.Joking with the medical flight crew.Saying goodbye to her hospital friendsBoarding the private plane.
Photo Galleries (1)
Guestbook
March 26, 2026
Carrie,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your family, and the doctors and nurses.
We pray for a successful surgery and a strong recovery. We know you have the will and fight to power thru this trying time.
Love, Kris, Steve and family.
Kristine Shaffer
March 24, 2026
Wishing you a successful transplant and good health! -Elizabeth and Sarvesh
Elizabeth Hegde
March 24, 2026
May God comfort you on your journey through this difficult time.
In Honor of Carrie
Kathleen Sanks
