Sara was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at birth, after experiencing problems with meconium ileus. Her older brother also has CF. Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Cystic fibrosis is a progressive, genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections and limits the ability to breathe over time, eventually resulting in respiratory failure, as well as affecting the pancreas and other organs. There is no cure for CF, but often times a life saving double lung transplant can help extend the time a patient has to live and provide the chance for a better quality of life. Sara has been hospitalized countless times, and has been through multiple surgeries. Multiple daily treatments such as airway clearance, inhalers, specialized inhaled medications, and upwards of 30 pills are required just to try to keep infections at bay. Even though the treatments for cf are exhausting and time consuming, Sara is always the first in line to offer a helping hand to other people in their time of need.

Due to the progressive nature of CF, it is coming to the point where she will need a double lung transplant to survive. Sara enjoys singing and songwriting, and just self-published her first book “One Last Breath”. In 2017 she gave birth to a beautiful baby boy named Aiden. He recently started walking and her greatest joys include seeing him grow up and teaching him about life. She looks forward to being there for all of his “firsts” and enjoying the memories she continues to make with her family.

The average first year costs for lung transplant is approximately $800,000. There are many costs not covered by insurance as well as lifelong expenses related to transplant (including follow up care and multiple prescriptions). The transplant process requires an extensive hospital stay as well as multiple pulmonary rehab, lab, and other appointments. The rules are strict and in many cases patients and their families have to temporarily relocate, which introduces the need for lodging and food, as well as making up for the loss of income.. etc…

Please consider donating to COTA in honor of Sara and sharing our mission with others – any amount is helpful and we are grateful for all of the love, support, and positive thoughts along the way.

The Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) helps children and young adults who need a life-saving transplant by providing fundraising assistance and family support. COTA is the nation’s only fundraising organization solely dedicated to raising life-saving dollars in honor of transplant-needy children and young adults. 100% of each contribution made to COTA in honor of our patients helps meet transplant-related expenses. COTA’s services are free to our families, and gifts to COTA are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.