Paige West – Double Lung Recipient

After years of waiting, one McCreary County family finally had an answer to their prayers with an incredible gift.  Paige West is a beautiful 17 year old who has suffered from cystic fibrosis since birth.  The inherited disease also affects Paige’s old sister and two cousins, although to a lesser extent.  She lost an aunt to CF as well.  By the time Paige was 12, she had lost 60% of her lung function.

After waiting several years, the moment arrived with news that a donor for Paige was found.  The family knows nothing about the circumstances which led to their miracle, but offers up many prayers for the donor’s loved ones.  The family has a strong faith and feels blessed for this gift.  What should have been a 12 hour surgery took only 5 ½ hours.  Paige was walking and texting her friends the very next day and has continued to improve.

She looks forward to going to school this fall, swimming, and running.  She also loves to sing but hasn’t been able to do that in years.  She also plans to tell her story and promote organ donation.  She is grateful for this gift, and she looks forward to many wonderful years celebrating life.  She encourages everyone to be a registered organ donor to give hope to all of those children and patients on the waiting list.  She always says, ‘Keep the faith…that’s all it takes.’

Sadly, Paige passed away in November 2014 at the age of 19 years, 5 months, and 14 days.  She fought a good fight, she finished her course with much courage and grace and she kept the faith.  She will be greatly missed.  http://www.pineknotfuneralhome.com/obits/obituary.php?id=629922