Sarah had a double lung transplant

A person stands inside a lush butterfly enclosure, holding up their hand as a black‑and‑white butterfly rests gently on their finger. Green plants and a glass roof surround the space.

Simple things such as walking, running or even talking while walking used to be extremely difficult. Now I can do them without thinking about it.

Born with Cystic Fibrosis, Sarah’s life began with its own challenges.

Life drastically changed for Sarah’s family when she was diagnosed as a child. Her mother Carmel had to learn to give Sarah IV medications, prepare IV nutrition and manage BiPAP and oxygen machines. Her father Tim became the anchor for her two brothers.

As Sarah and Carmel were preparing to move from Perth to Melbourne to await a lung transplant, the life-changing phone call came.

‘I was having surgery at Princess Margaret Hospital in Perth when my mum got the phone call,’ Sarah said.

‘We had to travel to Melbourne immediately for the transplant. I remember being sad that I couldn’t say goodbye to my dog.’

Almost 12 years on, Sarah has moved out of home to study and is enjoying life with her new puppy. Sarah says she is fulfilling dreams she never thought possible.

‘Simple things such as walking, running or even talking while walking used to be extremely difficult, now I can do them and not think about it,’ Sarah said.

‘I will always have a special spot in my heart for my donor and their family. I am thankful for their gift everyday.’