Shelby Klug, a 17-year-old from LA, was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF) at age 2.

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that causes damage to the lungs and digestive system. Those with cystic fibrosis have a sticky mucus build-up in the tubes and ducts in the body, making it hard for the patient to breath and process food. People with CF are also generally at high risk for infection.

To someone without CF, Shelby’s schedule seems impossible. She would wake up at 3:30 am to undergo treatment every day and still make it to school. This year, Shelby’s health took a turn for the worse and doctors did not sound hopeful.

You see, there is no cure for cystic fibrosis, and while there are currently a number of time consuming and expensive treatments, it all depends on the severity of CF in the patient.

This past October an unexpected gift came to Shelby and her family: a new pair of lungs. What does this mean for Shelby? When a cystic fibrosis patient recieves a new pair of lungs from a donor, cystic fibrosis will not recur in the new lungs. Though she is still at high risk for infection, the new lungs are certainly a step in a new, exciting direction.

Though she spent 84 days in the hospital, Shelby was finally able to go home for 18th birthday party. And now, to her amazement, Shelby can finally breathe.

We at PatientWorthy are so happy to see Shelby’s lung transplant going well. We’re rooting for you in your recovery! Share Shelby’s story today.

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!