At the age of 20 I needed a double-lung transplant after beginning the end-stages of cystic fibrosis. Not yet on oxygen, but definitely not living the quality of life a 20 year old should be, I was aware the need for a transplant would soon be apparent. On November 11, 2009, I was officially active and awaiting a double-lung transplant. I waited for almost two years without receiving any offers. In August of 2011, the doctors approached me about the option of having a living-related-lobar transplant, since I had yet to receive any offers. They informed me that I would formulate a list of willing living donors; two donors would each donate one of their five lobes.
On December 15, 2011 my father and sister each donated one of their lobes, allowing the doctors to remove all of my lungs and replace them with the new ones. If it wasn’t for the willingness of my father and my sister I would not be able to share my story with you today. They have given me the best gift I could ever dreamt of, the gift of life. I live each day knowing that I am blessed to be alive.
