Alexander’s Cystic Fibrosis & lung transplant journey

An update to Alexander’s story below. It is with great sadness that I write that Alexander gained his angel wings on Friday, 10th January 2025, surrounded by loved ones.

A special mention to the Doctors and Nurses at St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney in the Heart & Lung ward.

Thank you to everyone who has donated so far.

My name is Lucy Meyer and I am a family friend of Kate Karnatz and her son Alexander Cooper. Alexander is without question the bravest and toughest young man I know.

Alexander has fought Cystic Fibrosis from the age of 2 which would see him admitted to the Sydney Children’s Hospital every 3-4 months. At the age of 16, Alexander was told that only a successful lung transplant would improve his health. In July of 2022, Alexander met with the St Vincent’s Hospital Heart and Lung team - at 26% lung function it was critical that Alexander received new lungs as urgently as possible. On 18th January 2023, the phone call came that Alexander had a new set of lungs ready for him. After a 6 hour surgery came 8 months of improved health for Alexander. Since September of this year, Alexander’s health has declined rapidly and regular Bronchial biopsies showed the lungs were failing and other tests also indicated the need for a liver transplant.

As of December 2024, Alexander has been living as an inpatient at St Vincent’s awaiting new lungs and a new liver. Kate has been informed on 27th December that Alexander won’t be able to survive surgery and is being removed from transplant lists. Alexander’s comfort and dignity are now paramount at this stage of his journey.

Please help us donate to support Alexander, Kate and Alexander’s younger brother Maxwell with medical and living expenses.