Outer Banks Mom with Cystic Fibrosis Gets Approval for Third Double-Lung Transplant

Imagine being 37-years-old and in need of a third double-lung transplant. Imagine that all being possible.

Cystic fibrosis (CF), an inherited disease that impacts the lungs and digestive system, up until recent decades meant barely making it out of childhood, if that. Now, modern medicine, coupled with the support of doctors, researchers, and nonprofits like the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, have made it so those living with the disease can make it to their fifth decade of life—and even beyond.

Tricia Lawrenson, an Outer Banks mother-of-two and cystic fibrosis patient, knows all too well the marvels of modern medicine. At 37-years-old, she has already been the recipient of two double-lung transplants. Now, as her lungs are in rejection again, she will need a third transplant. On this Valentine's Day week, the Lawrenson family got some great news: She's been approved by Duke University Hospital for a rare, third, double-lung transplant, as OBX Today reported earlier this week.

As the outlet reports, first, Lawrenson, along with her husband Nate, will spend almost a month at Duke University Hospital starting Monday, February 17 to work on improving her strength as she waits for this life-saving transplant. While Lawrenson focuses on preparing her body and mind, her community of loved ones are hosting two fundraisers at Nags Head Church to support her financially. As Kari Pugh reports in the article, the double-lung transplant will cost at least $1.3 million, and while insurance pays for the bulk of that, the family's out-of-pocket expenses could be up to $50,000.

If you're in the Outer Banks area, a babysitting fundraiser will take place tonight, on Valentine's Day, to allow parents to enjoy as special night out, with all proceeds going to help the Lawrensons. Tomorrow, there will be a "For Love and Lungs" benefit with local artisans, vendors, and plenty of food. Surfin' Spoon, a frozen yogurt spot in Nags Head, is also selling tee-shirts to help Lawrenson. See more below.

If you're outside the Outer Banks area but would like to help the Lawrenson family, a GoFundMe page has been established to support her medical trust here. As of the morning of Friday, February 14th, the fundraiser is at $30,150 of its $50,000 goal.

WATCH: See Luke Bryan's Heartwarming 'American Idol' Duet With A Singer Living With Cystic Fibrosis

We're amazed by Lawrenson's resilience during this difficult time and will be keeping her and her family in our thoughts. One day, we hope there's a cure for this devastating disease. One day, we hope a 37-year-old with cystic fibrosis can just be a 37-year-old.