It has been several wonderful years since I received the phone call that changed my life.

Living with Cystic Fibrosis, I learnt to cope with many hospital admissions or “tune-up’s” each year. I took 40 tablets each day and endured three sessions of chest physio every day. But over the years my lungs became more scarred due to frequent infections and my health deteriorated. 

I required oxygen 24/7. I couldn’t do much for myself. Walking to the letterbox or showering exhausted me and was sometimes all I could manage in my day. My parents and friends became my carers — cooking and cleaning for me and driving me places. I had good and bad days. I tried to do as much as my body would allow. I would get out of the house as often as I could, rolling my oxygen trolley behind me, going out for coffee or to the movies.

And then I received a double-lung transplant.

I am still constantly amazed at what I can do now! I have gone from barely moving off the couch to doing anything I want. I love how much I can fit into the day and that I don’t get tired from the simplest things. I can talk without becoming breathless and laugh without the fear of having a coughing fit.  I don’t constantly think about where my next breath will come from.

There have been ups and downs, but with the amazing support of my family, friends and my medical team I will continue to do my best to make the most of life.

Everyday I’m so very thankful for my donor and their loved one’s incredible decision at an extremely difficult time, all so that I might have another chance at life.

I will never take that for granted.