In 1994 Michele was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis, a rare genetic single cell mutation that primarily affects the lungs.  At that time the average life span of a CF patient was only 16 years old.  Today, many people with CF are living into their 30s, 40s and beyond.  In 2016, Michele’s story was featured at a large CF fundraiser and it details her life living with CF.

Since Michele’s video was made in the fall of 2015 she has endured numerous health challenges related to CF.  Michele has been treated for and has needed multiple surgeries to treat chronic collapsed lungs, feeding tube complications and sinus infections.  In July, Michele underwent surgery to be attached to a lung bypass machine as her own lungs were incapable of providing the oxygen necessary to survive.  On August 30th, Michele successfully underwent a double lung transplant. 

Through all of the challenges she has encountered over her 26 years, CF has not taken away Michele’s love of life and family, her sense of humor or her beautiful contagious smile. 

The Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) is a fundraising organization dedicated to help transplant recipients, like Michele, manage the many transplant related costs through generous donations from family, friends and businesses.  The organization is over 30 years old and is a qualified 501(c)3 charity, which allows your contribution to be tax deductible to the extent of the law. While creating awareness and supporting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is a critical piece to eradicating this disease it is at this delicate stage in Michele’s life that her family has chosen to utilize the services of COTA as their fundraising partner.