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I haven't had much time to get this blog started on this website. I do update my Blogger Blog frequently, so you can always click on that link to keep updated through that!

Here is just a very very brief intro about Me:

I received a living donor double lung transplant. My mom and a family friend were my donors. The University of Southern California performed the transplant, as they were the only center that still did living donor lung transplant. CF had consumed my body and I was given days to live; I had been listed at my local transplant center, but no cadaver lungs had become available; so this was my only option to stay alive. I, as well as my parents, knew God was not done with me here on Earth.

God gave me this most wonderful, amazing, and special gift. I try to live my life glorifying him. I gained a new passion after my transplant to become highly involved with the CF Community. Over the years, that has included working on staff as an admin and special events coordinator at our local CF Foundation; volunteering at many events, including Great Strides Walks (which includes having my own team); speaking at many events, meetings, etc.; and just being a huge advocate and helping others go through this journey! I love being a part of the CF Community and want to do all I can to find a cure. I don't want anyone to have to go through what I went through leading up to my transplant and my recovery time. God has blessed me tremendously and I can never thank my donors enough for what they did.

I graduated last May (2009) with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Information Management from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. I decided to go back to school, for a second degree in nursing. Nursing has been what I always wanted to do. I never knew if I could accomplish that due to my CF/health. After my transplant, I didn't think it would be possible due to a highly compromised immune system. But after seeing several other CFers who had undergone transplants become nurses, I knew I could do it. I had all the support from my family, doctors, transplant coordinators, etc. So...I start nursing school (BSN/RN) at UAB on August 17th. My life is insanely busy with school and classes. I feel like I've been in college forever. I will graduate from nursing school in May of 2012!!!!

Ok...so that is a brief intro. I will post more soon!!

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Breathing with new lungs since February 25th, 2004!

Katey, my daughter has spent the last hour reading your other blog. We live in Birmingham as well and she is always excited to read about CFers in our area. The best part for her is she wants to go to get a nursing degree at UAB as well. You have been a true inspiration. Thanks for sharing your amazing story.

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Teresa, mom to Todd(wocf), Andrew(wocf), Christopher(wocf), Olivia(wocf), and Shelby (wcf df508 and 2184insA)

Wow, you've really come a long way! Great to hear your encouraging story Good luck with nursing. That's an incredibly admirable profession.

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I'm Ayn, a 22 year old female with CF.
current lung function in between 50% -60%
Double mutation of Delta508

Hi Katey,

Welcome to CF.com... It is so inspiring to read your story.. I Pray that all of your dreams come true ! The saying "With the Lord all things are possible" comes to mind when I read yours .

Thank you for sharing & God Bless joni

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Joni 58 y/o f w c/f Married 20 years, Mother of 4 sons, Mima to Richard (4y/o) & Samuel (born 3/22/10)

Maybe you could clear something up for me regarding lung transplants. If you receive "new" lungs, does it mean you are cured? And if so how? Would'nt the mutant gene still be in your system for it start the sticky mucas all over again? I hope this is not too touchy of a question but I have been wondering about this since March 2010 and especially after reading The Power of Two.

So glad to read that your healthy and happy . You have an amazing family no wonder you too are so amazing. Keep up the good work as my grandson depends on it!

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Mem of Jaden from GA dx 3/10/10
DeltaF508 2nd R560K, 3rd Y569C