Hello, my name is Mel and I started this Fundmegram for my dear bestie Becky Skinner on behalf of her and her family and friends. She was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at age 11, though she has struggled with it her whole life. Becky just turned 42 (!) and her lungs have worked so hard for so long, but now it's time for a fresh set of breathers! We are all so grateful that Becky was recently added to the transplant list after being in respiratory failure and enduring years of tests and appointments and waiting to be approved for this life-saving surgery. This will be an incredibly long and challenging journey, but worth it in the end. It will also be a financially taxing journey for Becky and her husband John. After surgery and spending roughly 3 weeks inpatient before being discharged, she will need to live within 30 min from the hospital for at least 3 months. Then, even more healing and a lifelong commitment to a whole new medical regimen will begin. Transplant is not a cure for cystic fibrosis (there is no cure), so she will be managing a new kind of medication regimen. But with a successful transplant, her lungs will no longer be holding her back and keeping her from living life. Even with insurance and financial assistance, this is an incredibly expensive process, just for my sweet friend to have a chance at extending her life! She will be taking an undetermined amount of time off from a job she loves, but healing takes time. John will also be taking several months time off work to help care for her. But bills will still need to be paid, medication/appointment copays, rent/utilities, over the counter meds, doggy care, all the things that aren’t covered by insurance. And it’s not clear how long Becky will be off work, and what the financial impact will be. Becky is a kind, friendly, outgoing, hilarious, loving, intelligent, giving human! She's been there for me and so so so many more for so many years! Always doing whatever she can to help others. I couldn't imagine a world without this wonderful human! Anything you are able to donate is very much appreciated by me and her family! Thank you!