Our Story

Post-transplant life has been a life of renewal, second chances and continued great appreciation for everyday life. What never seems to go away is continuously trying to break down the walls of daily transplant and cystic fibrosis challenges. These continue to be (and will always be) physical, mental and financial. The need for financial support never stops. The first $110+K raised in the initial campaign ran out January 2018; it took only four and a half years to go through it. 

Some people wonder if I am “cured”, if I will “always take those” medications, if I will always have to battle this. No, I am not “cured”. There is no cure for CF; there is nothing to “cure” in transplantation; only nurture and maintain. Yes, I will always have to take those medications; they are what maintain; and I will always battle this – back to there are no cures.

Cystic Fibrosis (and transplantation) is for life. I only feel luckier that as I live each day, I can say I have beat this nasty friend for yet another day.

182 thoughts on “Our Story”

  4. Hi Lara! Remember me? Julie (Burt) Nichols — NTC Core Company member 2002-03 (And Then They Came For Me; The Brave Little Princess, etc.) I just made a donation to help in your cause. I found out about it through a Facebook group, and I made sure to pass it on to all the NTC people I’m still in contact with. You were such a great help to me during my stay in Omaha and I appreciated it so much. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers for a successful fundraising campaign and a speedy recovery. Love, Julie

  5. Hi Julie, Of course I remember you! Thank you for your support, and please spread the word! Love, Lara

  6. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you go thru this difficult time. If there is anything I can do please don’t hesitate to ask.

  8. Willa and I pray for your health and hope that you can overcome all. Bob and Willa

  10. I wanted to hope you the best of luck. It is nice seeing a fellow CFer in Omaha. I know I am not the only one going through this tremendous hurdle in their life.

  12. Arrin,Ryan, Kiley and I are thinking of you and will be glad to spread the word and help out any way we can with your fundraising efforts and support, as you go through this difficult time. With friends and family you will get through this! Love, Karen

  13. Thank you Karen, Arrin, and the whole clan! I know you are there for me. We go way back on this; I am glad you are in it with me

  14. Allen, Joscelyn and I are behind you 100%! This is an amazing step that you are taking – if you need anything at all, please don’t hesitate to call!

  15. Thank you Krista, Allen and Joscelyn. That means a lot to me. I definitely hope to have you involved!

  16. I copied an excerpt from your message and sent it to not only everyone on my email prayer list, but to every email address I have for anyone I know. Lara, no one is more deserving. I love you with all my heart and you have been the champion to so many, it is now time that they become champions for you. Rick and I love you so very much and we want you around for a very long time, even if we can’t be there to hug you, our mental hugs are always drifting your way!

  18. You are in my prayers Lara. My heart goes out to you and your family. I know this must be very difficult on you. Please let me know if there is anything we can do to help you.

  22. I love you, sweetie!! Please let me know what else I can do to help. It was so great to see you and I look forward to seeing you again sometime soon!! xoxo

  24. Lara, I got your letter from Brenda O’Brien and sent it out to a bunch of my friends. I hope it’s okay. I said that if they have ink cartridges or old cell phones to put them in an envelope with your name on it and drop it off at the Playhouse or to me. You’ve got lots of us in your corner, girlfriend!!!

  26. Hey Gorgeous! I will do everything I can to help you in your fundraising efforts – and I am only a phone call away if you need anything! I am awed and inspired by your grace and your passion. Tons of love, Rachel

  28. Howdy darlin’! Don’t you worry. You have friends all over the place who are ready to back you up. If you need anything, I am always here for you. Always. Love ya babe! Don

  29. You know I’m countin’ on you whether you like it or not! 🙂 Thank you Don. You know I love you too!

  30. Laura, I cannot express how Anthony and I are on your side and thinking of you. We want to be able to help in any way possible. You will hear from us very soon. Kim and Anthony Clark-Kaczmarek

  31. Kim and Anthony, thank you! I appreciate your support. I do look forward to hearing from you!

  32. Oh, we do go a long way back, don’t we! Just don’t spread any wild tales about me! Thank you very much for your love!

  33. You are in my thoughts. I am getting together cell phones and ink cartridges and spreading the word for donations. Stay strong.

  34. Thank you Quinn! Be sure to contact Jeannine (listed on the activities page) on the recycle project. I appreciate your help!

  35. Hey Lara, Don’t worry. You’re not alone. I think you know that by now, but just in case…we’re here for you. I’ll be in Omaha around the Holidays! See you then! Love, Andromeda

  36. Hey girl! Thanks for writing on my page! Good to hear from you. I do hope to see around the holidays!

  37. Hey Lara, Thinking of you. I heard about your journey two weeks ago and have been in the process of helping out. Through UNO, and it’s theatre department. I’ve heard great stories of what you did there and about your character. I’ll be helping wherever and whenever I can. Don’t worry you have a great team of friends and family who are behind you all the way. (including me, an unknown.) C.

  38. C-I appreciate your help! Just remember, don’t believe everything you hear. 🙂 Seriously, I appreciate your goodness.Thank you.

  39. Hello Lara, I read your information here at work (CBSHOME) and just wanted to send my prayers your way. I just donated a little bit of money, sorry…we are military, with a very large move ahead of us to England, so I could not afford to donate any more, or else I would have given you more. I just pray that you make enough donations, and that God will bless you with new lungs. My prayers go out to you and your family. God Bless. Laura Beth Davidson laurapatterso20@yahoo.com

  40. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am so glad that Karen sent out an email to everyone in the district so that we can help in anyway possible. I graduated with your sister and drive by your house that you both grew up in everyday and still wondered if your parents still lived there. I will pray and try to help spread the word and get donations for you. Thoughts and prayers, God bless. Danelle

  41. Hello Danelle, I remember you very well. I appreciate you spreading the word and helping. I know that would please Amy as well.

  42. Hi Lara. Just got the word from Karen about your dilemma. I will gather as many cell phones and ink cartridges as I can to donate. We must get you well! Have you worked with anyone from OCP to get help? Maybe a show’s proceeds can help? let me know if I can be of help in any way. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Jim

  43. Hello Jim. Thank you. Holding off on OCP approaches for now; down the road. Hopefully I will see you at my career expo!

  44. Marlis, you are kind. I loved Paul so much and it is kind of Eileen to support my road. Spread the word, efforts will succeed.

  45. Hey there dear Lara, Am thinking of you daily. Steven Williams has been marshaling forces, and the students are working alongside the faculty to help. Yes we can! Much love to you.

  47. Lara, Your optimistic and vigorous way of living has always amazed and inspired me. Peace Bill

  49. Lara. As always, you are in my thoughts and from the sounds of it, you are in many peoples thoughts all around the country. With Love Always. Steven

  50. Thank you for all your support Steven. I can see your momentum across the country! I appreciate it! Love to you always!

  55. Brad! Long time no see! Thank you! Maybe we’ll run into each other out on the field one of these days. It’d be great to see you

  60. Lara, you probably don’t remember me but I worked with the Shakespeare Festival during Antony and Cleopatra and Taming of the Shrew, and I was always impressed by you. We’re all thinking of you; hang in there!

  61. Thank you Rachel. I appreciate hearing that. And who knows, maybe there will be another NSF project for us in the future. 🙂

  62. We’ve never met but our in my thoughts and prayers, from one theater person to another 🙂

  63. Lara, You are in my thoughts and prayers. We are all thinking of you here at UNO. Stay strong.

  64. I appreciate everything from you and the UNO clan! Everyone is helping me keep strong!

  67. I was so sad to hear about what’s going on…but I want you to know that everyone in the UNO theater department has really been pulling for you. I hope we can help at least a little bit.

  68. That’s sweet of you Amy, and thank you. It’ll be a long road, but I have confidence it will be a positive road!

  71. Gee you’re pretty popular. I think you’re faking for attention. You would ;P Love ya. Hope tour world is not too crazy. Yell if you need something. Call if you want me to hear that yell.

  72. Ha, just want your attention, that’s all! Thank you Wesley. I truly feel the love; you are very special to me.

  77. Always keep positive. I’m sure things will be grand! You are in my thoughts and prayers.

  79. Lara, I have heard alot about you through my daughter Rachel. My thoughts and prayers are with you daily. Just know when you have those bad days how many of us are thinking of you and praying for you. God Bless!

  80. Hi Becky, don’t believe a word Rachel says! 🙂 Thank you for yuor thoughts and prayers. Very kind of you!

  81. I have yet to meet you, but I have heard great things. You are in my heart and prayers.

  83. Hi Lara, I’m Rachel’s sister. Although we’ve never met, I’ve heard many wonderful things about you. You’re in my thoughts and prayers and I hope everything works out for you. I’d also like to thank you for all the information you provided on CF for my niece, Berkley. My brother and sister in law said the information was very helpful and thank you very much!

  84. Hello Crystal. Thank you for your thoughts. And if you would like to chat more, let me (or Rachel) know.

  87. I am Corey Behnke’s Grandmother and think alot of Rachel. Do hope all goes well for you. God Bless and watch over you. I will keep you in my prayers.

  88. Thank you Charlotte! I appreciate you taking a moment to go to my site! Take care and keep the prayers coming.

  89. Lara, just want you to know that I think about you daily and say a prayer for you whenever I do. We’ll get you through this. There are a LOT of people pulling for you because we love you bunches! So, when are WE going to do lunch (as we always say we’re going to).

  90. Yeah, I know, right?! You’d be surprised how often I think about our lunch (or lack there of). Let’s make it happen!

  93. aka Dusty’s mom (one of these days I’m just going to be ME!) Loved the play, and getting to give you a hug! We’re keeping you in our thoughts and prayers, and working on raising that money bar!!

  95. Hi Laura, WoW! We did a lot of theatre together in a short period of time! I am thinking of you often. Take care, Paul

  97. Hey, darlin’! Just wanted to send a hello and read up on the others who have checked in to the site. Lots of love being shared through the glorious world of the internet!! Think of you often and miss you lots and lots. Love you, K

  99. Hi, I am Rachel McCutchen’s aunt. I want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. Stay strong, keep positive. You’ll be feeling better before you know it!

  100. Very nice of you to sign in Sharon. And to know that Rachel is doing her job! 🙂 Thank you!

  101. Hey Lara, I am thinking of you daily – and wish I could’ve seen you while you were in New York. I’ll see you soon though! Happy Holidays! much love, Rachel

  104. Thanks to Sherry Fletcher for getting the word out to TAG members. We all are thinking of you and praying for you, but now we have a concrete way to help. And it’s so easy! Happy new year! Lynn and I will pray for you daily! See you at work!

  105. Hi Lara- You don’t know me but I am a former high school classmate of your mother. That’s right- good ole Cato, NY! I’ve sent an appeal out to our class alumni via email and will include it also in our next snail mailing. My advice to you- don’t worry about the money- have faith- it will be there when you need it. Stay positive- focus on all the good in your life and expect miracles. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers daily…Randy Bennett Cato Class of 67

  106. Very thoughtful of you to send out the appeal, Randy. Many thanks! My mom was very happy to see your email too. Take care!

  107. Hey Lara, This must seem ike a tough battle for you. I helped and donated some money in your honor and have also sent the email to many of my friends in family, i hopes they will join in this fight with you. you will rach your goal, i know people will help you. Hang in there. Im keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Dan Gutierrez

  109. Hey Lara ~ You may or may not remember me, but I was involved in some plays that you worked on at the Playhouse (The Dark at the Top of the Stairs) and maybe even the Blue Barn. I just want you to know that I’m thinking about you and cheering for you! (And forwarding the e-mail, of course…) This is a great idea, and it warms the heart and soul to see it in action. Take good care! Nick

  110. Of course, I remember. Thanks Nick! Keep spreading the word. That’s what makes this work. 🙂

  111. Lara, Sending much love, blessings and prayers (and hugs and kisses) from Wisconsin. I will pass your message along in hopes of rallying the frigid North to help out one of the planet’s most precious and beautiful people! Sincerely, Mallory Prucha Rishoi

  115. Lara, I am Molly McCarthy-Egan’s sister from the East Coast Tour. She spoke so highly of you and you made her feel so comfortable on the tour. I wish you the best of luck! You are an amazing woman, I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Meg

  116. So nice of you Megan, thank you! Keep the thoughts and prayers going. It’s a long road. And keep Molly in line! 🙂

  117. Lara, Jill Fliege is a dear friend of mine and has notified about your case. I will donate AND especially pray for you to receive the double lung transplant. Believe! Believe! Believe Lara! God will take care of you. Blessings, Kay

  118. Thank you Kay. I appreciate the donation and prayers! That Jill…she’s a good woman! 🙂

  119. Praying for a successful transplant for you Lara. Since I dislike giving out my credit card # I searched http://www.COTA.ORG and found a form to send with a check in your honor. If interested, from the home page go to MAKE A MIRACLE then in the side bar highlite GIVE and the option to send a check with directions follows.

  120. Thank you for the alternate instructions Helen! I want everyone to feel comfortable. Thank you for your support!

  121. GOOD LUCK LARA, I HOPE A LUNG BECOMES AVAILABLE SOON, AND GOD HELPS THE MONEY TO COME IN TO PAY FOR IT. MOLLY THINKS THE WORLD OF YOU. THANKS FOR GIVING HER HER FIRST BREAK. ANN

  122. Thank you Ann! Keep spreading the word for me, that’ll help too. And I think the world of Molly! She’s close in my heart!

  123. Thanks Kathy! Anyone can send some cartridges to me at the playhouse, or look on the activities page of this site. Thanks!

  126. Love you lady. Hope the fundraising goes well. Hug the old man and your girls. Best wishes, Mathew

  128. Lara, I have your message out to everyone I can think of… Hang tough, you are in the hearts of so many I know, but you have a very special part of mine that you take with you wherever you go. I love you so much..

  132. Hi Lara: I don’t know you, and you don’t know me…(gotta love how karma works, don’t ya?). Our mutual friend, Jim McKain, sent me a note about your story and that was all it took. I hope your journey forward is a great success and you reach your goal soon. Wishing you all the best! God bless, Maria Sofranko Oceanside, CA

  133. Maria, Thank you. Boy, that Jim is a dear! I appreciate your words. And I love CA; please enjoy a day at the beach for me!

  134. I am a friend of a friend of yours, God’s blessings and hang in there. Scotte

  135. Thank you Scotte! Keep the blessings coming, and spread the word. It’s a long road. Take care!

  136. Hi Lara! I am thinking of you and praying for you. You helped me through a difficult time in 2005 and I will never forget your support. I’m so glad that this website exists so that I can try to give back to you for helping me through that time. I hope you know how respected and adored you are by us theatre people. I hope that word is able to spread to all the people whose lives you’ve touched with your work with Nebraska Theatre Caravan. I’ll be checking in on your journal and looking forward to seeing your health continue to improve! All my love and support, Kate Krieg

  137. Oh, Kate; THANK YOU! I am so glad you are well! Thank you for your support! Keep healthy too!

  138. Hi Lara! I just wanted to let you know I had a wonderful time at Breath of Fresh Art. What a talented group of performers. I hope it was a huge success!

  139. So glad to see you there Jennifer. Wish I could’ve talked to you more! Let’s do another project together!! 🙂

  140. You don’t know me but my brother Darrin Golden posted pictures of your most recent fund raiser up on his FB page. I’m not sure how you know him either but you’ve met one of the best young men I’ve ever known in him! Good luck to you and your family. Many blessings will be sent your direction from ours. Desiree Carr and family (Denver, CO)

  141. Thank you Desiree! I work with Darrin. He’s a good guy. Troublemaker, but a good guy! 🙂

  142. Please! Keep sending me phones and cartridges, my goal has been to send a minimum of 2 boxes in for recycling each month and I have to have a minimum number of items to do that! The funds do add up and will make a difference for Lara, and for the environment. Questions? Call me 402-296-4438 Karen

  144. Hi Lara, I am so happy you emailed me about the Awesome August and I’m very happy to help out. It was so fun catching up with you in St. Louis.

  146. Hello – I saw on the Great Plains Theatre Conf. website that used cell phones and printer cartridges may help with fundraising. If so, may these be sent to you? What would the address be? Thanks!

  152. Kind words, James. Thank you. And those are the kinds of words that give me the strength. Thank you.

  153. Hey sweetie! I am thinking about you today as I sing along with Night Ranger. 🙂 Motorin’!!!!! What’s the price for flight?! And finding mister Right? You’ll be all right tonight… Love you!!!! Be well!

  154. Amy, you just put a big smile on my face. Now that song will be stuck in my head ALL DAY; and that’s a good thing! Love to you!

  155. You are always my positive consious, even if I wanna be stubborn! 🙂 That’s why you are the perfect Campaign Coordinator!

  156. Hey Kathy, thank you!! Good to hear from you! I hope you are well, been forever since I’ve seen you. Thanks again!

  157. Thinking of you often and wishing you the best … and the writing comes across as honest and pure.

  160. Lara you are in my prayers and I wish the best for you. Know that you’ve been an inspiration for me ever since I was in the program I hope our paths cross again. God Bless

  163. Going pretty status quo…no dreams, but if I do, you’ll be the first to know!! 🙂

  164. Lara, I hope things are going well for you…I am sending my love and hugs to you!!!

  166. Praying for you and your family, sending my prayers to you from Union County. Stay strong and keep up the fight!! Hope you get your lungs soon.

  168. Darling Lara, hope your weeklong treatment left you feeling refreshed and strong. I miss seeing your beautiful face. Have you started rehearsals yet for Enemy of the People? I am excited to see the show…and hope to do another one with you someday soon. You are in my prayers and my heart always.

  169. Judy, it is now October; answering you has taken me this long; tells you how busy I’ve been. Miss seeing your beautiful face too

  171. Thank you Paul. Hope you are well, there in Chicago! Haven’t been there in a while; I sure miss it!

  174. I can’t wait for your big day! It’ll be amazing to celebrate the first day of the rest of your life!! xoxo I love you girl!

  175. I can’t wait either, Angela. I wish it would hurry up and get here! I still have so much to do! Love you too! xoxo

  176. Much love! Can’t wait to celebrate with you by watching the US Open in Fresh Meadows!

  178. Thrilled to know that your theater friends are doing Sing Your Lungs Out. It is the best event. Great entertainment for a fabulous cause. Hope to see you there.

  179. Thank you Jane! They are so awesome! I am looking forward to hearing their voices again! I will see you there! 🙂

  180. Love You Momma! You are my Hero in Life and My Inspiration to not take Life for granted! 🙂

  181. Glad to be on your Support team! Sending Loads of Love and continued Health you way. I Miss seeing you and being in your midst. xo Timmy Shew

  182. Thank you for being a part of my support, Tim! I miss seeing you too, and firmly believe being exposed to your positivity these past few weeks has contributed to my drive today. Be well, friend. xoxo

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