Christopher & Michael

Cystic Fibrosis took one very important person away from me four years ago. Michael Pry was my very special cousin that got taken from this world way too early. He always struggled with cystic fibrosis until he finally got the call for new lungs. He got to the hospital and they prepared him for the operation.

There were complications with the lungs and Michael did not wake up. This shook my family hard. Michael was a very genuine, personable and funny guy with a lot to live for. He was loved my so many people. I miss Michael every single day.

Cystic fibrosis is a brutal disease that affects the people who have it every second of every day. They cannot easily do normal things that people without this disease can do. They get treatment regularly and take several pills with every single meal.

This disease causes the body to have a build up of mucus in the lungs, digestive tract and other areas of the body. People with this disease often end up hospitalized when they catch the common cold because their body cannot break down the mucus that builds up in their bodies.

Christopher Pry is Michael's older brother. Christopher is one of a kind and so special to me. He has the ability to make anyone laugh and smile.

On September 9, Christopher received the same call that Michael did four years ago. He traveled to the hospital and prepared for the operation. It was a success!

Christopher is now breathing on his own and on the straight path to having a normal life. He and I and my other cousin, Dayle, have trips planned for when he is fully recovered. We will see the Eiffel tower lit up at night, we will test our luck in Las Vegas, the whole nine yards! I cannot wait for these experiences and to share them with Christopher.

Me, Christopher, Dayle, Michael

I am so very thankful for the successful operation. I know that in order for Christopher to receive a second chance at life, someone had to be signed up as an organ donor. If you are reading this, please take a second to think about this story and how you too could save a life like Christopher's.

Be an organ donor. Save a life.