Sara has been living with a chronic lung disease, Cystic Fibrosis, for 28 years and is now in need of a double lung transplant. Sara currently requires constant use of oxygen and is no longer able to perform ordinary tasks without difficulty. Due to the risk involved with Sara's specific diagnosis, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center is the only facility in the US that will consider her as a candidate for a transplant.

Despite her disease, Sara was able to complete her BA in Art History at the University of Maryland. Before her disease became debilitating, Sara worked full time and was blessed with multiple opportunities to travel and live abroad.

Sara has twin older brothers who also have the genetic disease. The three of them have been able to support each other growing up and into adulthood, which they feel has been one of their greatest blessings.

There are many hidden costs associated with any chronic illness but especially when a transplant becomes necessary. Numerous co-pays for her medications, lab work and physician visits are costly. Sara and her primary caretaker will need to live near the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center for at least 3 months after her transplant as required by her physicians; none of these costs are covered by medical insurance. Any donation you find in your heart to help with these expenses will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for allowing Sara the chance to take a deep breath and enjoy a better quality of life. If you would like to learn more about Cystic Fibrosis, please visit www.cff.org