Woman To Graduate After Double Lung Transplant
Diploma Earned After Battle Against Cystic Fibrosis
POSTED: 5:35 pm EDT May 15,
2008
UPDATED: 7:57 am EDT May 16,
2008
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BOSTON -- It was a well-deserved day of beauty for Lindsay Briggs, 22, of Carver. The nail salon was one of many stops before her big day this coming weekend.Briggs has cystic fibrosis, and less than three months ago she had a double lung transplant at a hospital in Pittsburgh. Sunday, she will be in cap and gown, participating in graduation ceremonies at Stonehill College, a day she says will definitely be very emotional.
VIDEO: Woman Will Graduate College After Double Lung Transplant"It's just great to be able to get the diploma and all my hard work. It will be emotional, definitely, with all my family there, my friends," said Briggs.Newscenter 5's Amalia Barreda reported that after fighting the disease her whole life, the transplant became a life and death ordeal. Briggs was on a waiting list for a year for new lungs. Then, complications from pneumonia nearly killed her. At the 11th hour, with Briggs near death, a donor was finally found."I'm very thankful. I know it's a hard decision. My parents were actually close to making that decision themselves. I'm just very thankful that I get this opportunity. It was such a perfect match. My doctor said that's why I've recuperated so fast," said Briggs.She was so sick her 6-foot frame got down to 95 pounds. Apart from gaining weight, her goal is to become a writer. As a native of Boston Red Sox country, she knows the subject matter she wants to focus on is rather sensitive."Eventually I want to write for the New York Yankees. I know, I'm a Yankee fan which is very unheard of around here but it's something I want to do," said Briggs, who broke into appreciative laughter when told it wouldn't be held against her.
VIDEO: Woman Will Graduate College After Double Lung Transplant"It's just great to be able to get the diploma and all my hard work. It will be emotional, definitely, with all my family there, my friends," said Briggs.Newscenter 5's Amalia Barreda reported that after fighting the disease her whole life, the transplant became a life and death ordeal. Briggs was on a waiting list for a year for new lungs. Then, complications from pneumonia nearly killed her. At the 11th hour, with Briggs near death, a donor was finally found."I'm very thankful. I know it's a hard decision. My parents were actually close to making that decision themselves. I'm just very thankful that I get this opportunity. It was such a perfect match. My doctor said that's why I've recuperated so fast," said Briggs.She was so sick her 6-foot frame got down to 95 pounds. Apart from gaining weight, her goal is to become a writer. As a native of Boston Red Sox country, she knows the subject matter she wants to focus on is rather sensitive."Eventually I want to write for the New York Yankees. I know, I'm a Yankee fan which is very unheard of around here but it's something I want to do," said Briggs, who broke into appreciative laughter when told it wouldn't be held against her.Copyright 2008 by TheBostonChannel.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
