New Lungs for Erin (Double Lung Transplant)
Donation protected
As most of you know I have Cystic Fibrosis which is a genetic life threatening disease that effects the lungs and digestive system. The body produces thick and sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and obstructs the pancreas. Currently there is no cure for CF, the average life span is about 38 years old for those born in 2019.
I was diagnosed in 2003, when I was 9 years old at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, usually people are diagnosed a lot earlier in life and can start treatment immediately. Unfortunately, my diagnosis was delayed, but I got right on track and lived a normal life up until early this year.
It turns out that I have a 10cm abscess in my right lung that is filled with antibiotic resistant infections, which means I pretty much only have ¼ of my right lung remaining. My left lung is doing most of the work but it also is infected with these nasty bugs, all together my lung function is at 23%, so now I am in need of a life saving double lung transplant.
I just went through my 5 day evaluation at Duke University Medical Center in North Carolina. They have accepted me into their transplant program and it’s now time for me to temporarily relocate there and start pulmonary rehab and IV antibiotics to prepare myself for transplant. Relocating is not easy and it’s very expensive while trying to keep our home at the same time. Not only do we have to pay our current mortgage, bills and rent at a new place, the cost of fuel and food is also going to add up. I will need to be living in Durham for a minimum of 6 months but up to a year.
I can’t wait to receive new lungs and breathe free like I never have before.
Any contribution no matter how small will be extremely helpful and if you cannot make a donation I ask that you keep me in your prayers.
I was diagnosed in 2003, when I was 9 years old at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, usually people are diagnosed a lot earlier in life and can start treatment immediately. Unfortunately, my diagnosis was delayed, but I got right on track and lived a normal life up until early this year.
It turns out that I have a 10cm abscess in my right lung that is filled with antibiotic resistant infections, which means I pretty much only have ¼ of my right lung remaining. My left lung is doing most of the work but it also is infected with these nasty bugs, all together my lung function is at 23%, so now I am in need of a life saving double lung transplant.
I just went through my 5 day evaluation at Duke University Medical Center in North Carolina. They have accepted me into their transplant program and it’s now time for me to temporarily relocate there and start pulmonary rehab and IV antibiotics to prepare myself for transplant. Relocating is not easy and it’s very expensive while trying to keep our home at the same time. Not only do we have to pay our current mortgage, bills and rent at a new place, the cost of fuel and food is also going to add up. I will need to be living in Durham for a minimum of 6 months but up to a year.
I can’t wait to receive new lungs and breathe free like I never have before.
Any contribution no matter how small will be extremely helpful and if you cannot make a donation I ask that you keep me in your prayers.
Organizer
Erin McKenna
Organizer
Cape Coral, FL
