Amanda's Transplant Fund

As most of you know, my sister Amanda has cystic fibrosis.  Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common fatal genetic disease affecting Canadian children and young adults. At present, there is no cure.

CF causes various effects on the body, but mainly affects the digestive system and lungs. The degree of CF severity differs from person to person, however, the persistence and ongoing infection in the lungs, with destruction of lungs and loss of lung function, will eventually lead to death in the majority of people with CF.

Over the past couple years Amanda's health has been slowly declining, she had to quit work in order to take care of herself and in recent months it has become harder for her to breathe.  Doing simple tasks like walking, laundry , grocery shopping or playing with her neices and nephews has become near impossible.  Despite how hard she tries to remain normal, it is becoming clear her declining health is winning.   It is time for Amanda to get a new chance at life, with new lungs.  

At the end of August, my sister will travel to Toronto to sign papers, and be listed for transplant.  Once she signs the papers, she will wait.  Wait for that call.  Wait for relief.  Wait for a second chance to live life to the fullest.  The waiting will be the hardest part, but so will be the recovery.

During recovery Amanda and her husband Phil will need to stay in Toronto for a few months, while she regains her strength in Rehab, and the Transplant Team ensures the new lungs are working properly and her body is not rejecting them.  For these few months Amanda and Phil will need to live close to Toronto General Hospital in an apartment, as well as keeping their current home in Monkton.  That is two rent payments, two homes with bills,  meals, transportation, going back and forth to Toronto for physio and appointments before surgery..... and no income coming in.  Both Amanda and Phil will not be working during this time.  The last thing we want them to worry about is their finances, when they need to worry about Amanda getting strong and fighting through this.  

My sister is my best friend, my kindred spirit, my other half.  Without new lungs, I hate to think of what will come, because without her, I would be so lost.  Please say a prayer for her during this really difficult time, and if you can give a little financially to help take that burden from her, that would be the best gift possible.  

Any little bit helps.  Whether it is foregoing your daily Tim Horton's for a week to help, or just some small pocket change, I know my sister and Phil would appreciate any amount given.

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for helping. 
I can not wait to see my sister run and play with my son again.  That is my biggest wish.