I’ve been a nurse for almost ten years now — and for the last three, I’ve had the joy of serving as one of the school nurses at Beebe High School. In that time, I can easily say I’ve never met anyone more resilient than Lilly.

I grew up right here in Beebe, and I still remember when she received her first transplant. Our small town showed up in a big way to help her and her family. She was just two years old then, and while I didn’t know her personally at that time, I’ve been blessed to get to know and love her as the incredible young woman she’s become.

Lilly is a sweet, spunky firecracker of a teenager. She’s always finding ways to give back to the community — organizing bake sales and yard sales to donate money to the Angel Tree. I mean, how many healthy teens do that, much less one who’s preparing for her second transplant?

I’ve seen her come to school exhausted and never complain. She’s active in everything she’s able to do, always quick to lend a hand or offer a smile to a friend. I’ve said it many times — to know her is to love her.

Lilly is my “why.” She’s the reason I come to work each day and the reason I’m proud to partner with COTA for Lungs for Lilly.

-Nurse Heather