Cystic Fibrosis -Lungs for Life Foundation

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Taking Flight

Lung Transplant Success Stories are Shared for the First Time.

"Taking Flight -Inspirational Stories in Lung Transplantation"
Compiled by Joanne Schum (Cystic Fibrosis Bi-Lateral Lung Recipient, Sept. 12, 1997)
Authored by Lung Recipients Around the World

This book is the gathering of 255 stories from around the world of those who have had a lung or heart/lung transplant. The recipients share their amazing stories. Also included are stories from caretakers and loved ones and how lung transplant changed the lives of their loved one, and how wonderful it is to witness the new life that has taken place.

The fascinating and miraculous stories of all these individuals are just a small number of those who have received a lung transplant and now have the joy of living and breathing and being with their loved ones for many more years. Inspirational, moving and a true miracle for all these folks.

About the Author
Joanne Marie Schum is the youngest of seven siblings of George and Katherine Schum. Growing up in the Rochester, New York area with Cystic Fibrosis (a genetic lung illness), Joanne led a rather normal life, attending college, working in her chosen career field and being with friends and family.

As she reached her mid twenties, life became increasingly more difficult until it was nearly impossible to maneuver and have any quality in her life. That is when a lung transplant became the top priority in her life. She temporarily relocated to Chapel Hill, North Carolina while waiting for a bi-lateral lung transplant. She received her much anticipated transplant at the University of North Carolina Hospitals Chapel Hill, on September 12, 1997. Her lung transplant has allowed her to become involved with many organizations: volunteering as a speaker; writing for various Cystic Fibrosis and lung transplant newsletters; board member; and mentor.

Never an athlete in her pre-transplant days, she has taken to biking, running, walking, swimming and a participant in the 2000 and 2002 United States Transplant Games. She no longer passes up an adventure and can be found driving tractors, motorbikes, and has also flown in a High Performance Schleicher ASK-21 Sailplane. Her continued great health will allow her many more days with her new "wings of breath" so she can travel, work, play and enjoy her family and friends.