Natalie's Medical Fund.

My name is Natalie, and I am 23 years old living with Cystic Fibrosis. Cystic Fibrosis 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.

At 23 years old, I am at the point of living with 15% lung function, requiring a lung transplant and needing to relocate to Toronto, ON. The recommended treatment now, is either keep on maintaining symptoms of CF, watching my lung function decline and succumb to the fate of CF, or have a life saving transplant that will give me my life back.  

In order to be put on the transplant list, I first need to relocate to this new city with my family as soon as possible. This means leaving my hometown behind, finding somewhere to live for the time being, while I'm waiting for a transplant. I would also need to travel three times a week into hospital to be monitored closely, be in inpatient rehab to get stronger for transplant and make sure my body is ready to receive new lungs. 

My family and I would be so grateful and appreciative of any donations given because it would help tremendously with the financial burden that comes with this adventure. It will help us not focus on finances so much, and be able to focus on my health and getting my life and our lives back on track. I, would be forever grateful to each and every person who decides to help me along this journey. 

Without this transplant, I am not sure that I am guaranteed another 2 years. This transplant is not a cure but it could give me a life that I have always dreamed of having. Instead of chest physiotherapy, hours of breathing treatments and endless medications, I could look forward to just a little bit of medications, more time with family and loved ones, making a life for myself, and enjoying the life I have been gifted.