A Breath of Hope for Sam

Update:
Yesterday, November 24, 2014, Sam McDonough lost his battle with Cystic Fibrosis. He did so with his usual grace and courage. The outpouring of love and affection from you generous people has touched us in a big way and has helped get us through these last heart-breaking days. Deep love and gratitude to Tina Herrmann Pellegrini for her tireless effort in putting this page together. Also, Sam had opted to donate his organs. He felt very strong about this. We hope you will opt to do the same. With love to you all from Richard, Darcey and Crystal  (we have posted this twice due to phone and ipad loading of the page not showing the updates.)
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A month ago Sam McDonough and Crystal Lusk experienced one of the happiest days in their lives. Sam proposed to Crystal in Central Park with their family and friends serenading them and she said "Yes".

Today Sam is at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in NYC on a ventilator, waiting and hoping for new lungs. They thought they had time to live, time to get married, Sam is only 25, but CF had other plans.

Sam has Cystic Fibrosis (CF). CF is a life-threatening genetic disease that primarily affects the lungs and digestive system. An estimated 30,000 children and adults in the United States (70,000 worldwide) have CF.

Sam's lungs are worn out. With a lung transplant Sam has a bright future with his beautiful bride, loving family & friends and faithful dog Baxter by his side.

A lot of the medical expenses are paid by insurance but the additional expenses incurred by the family being with him during this difficult time as he struggles while waiting for lungs and then again while supporting and being active members in Sam's transplant recovery team will grow astronomical.

Tomorrow Sam will have been in the hospital for 1 week. Crystal and his Mom & Dad, Darcey and Richard, have been been with him everyday and frequent nights. The travel expenses, the meals eaten during the time away from home, the work lost while they need to be by Sam's side.  They have a long road ahead of them.

Please help us, Sam's friends and family, to help them through this difficult time. Every cent counts, but even if all you can do is forward this link to as many people you know, you will have our eternal gratitude.

Sam has a bright future waiting for him... please help us to help him get the breath of hope he needs to achieve his happily ever after.