Over the past few years, Casey Higgins, a 27-year-old Ohio woman, has required supplementary oxygen 24/7 to help her breathe.
Diagnosed with the genetic disease cystic fibrosis at the age of three months, her world got smaller and smaller as she could do less and less.
Cystic fibrosis is a progressive lung disease that gradually takes away the patient’s ability to breathe.
But, for Higgins, life has suddenly changed for the better. She recently underwent a successful double-lung transplant surgery, and simple things like walking across the room are now within her reach.
Read more about her journey on a special Facebook group called Breathe Easy 2014. It has been set up so people can follow her recovery.
Did you know:
- More than 75% of CF patients are diagnosed before their second birthday
- CF affects about 30,000 people in the US (70,000 globally)
- About 1,000 new cases are reported each year
- More than half of CF patients are over the age of 18
To learn more about CF, click here.
This month, PatientWorthy is teaming up with CysticLife.org to spread awareness of CF and support their collaboration with the Mayo Clinic for a community-driven research project investigating the benefits of exercise for CF patients. If you’re interested in contributing to the fund or want to become a CysticLife member, drop by CysticLife.org or donate here today! Don’t forget to share this post!
