Abilene Woman Leans on Community for Help with Double Lung Transplant
By: Nora Hartfeil
Updated: July 27, 2012
At 52-years-old, most people are looking forward
to retirement and wish to spend their time with grand kids and even
traveling. But for Cheri Cisneros, her wish is a basic need most of us
take for granted: to breathe.
"I only have 15% lung function at this point. I'm in the end stage, and so this is really important that we get help, so we don't miss out on our chance for me to get new lungs again", says Cisneros.
She was diagnosed with COPD and needs a double lung transplant. This procedure can cost millions of dollars, and while she does have insurance, there is still a major financial gap to fill, which is exactly why family and friends are stepping up.
"I believe Cheri deserves a transplant and I believe if she does get one it will be from God and it will match perfect", says Jo Ann Lee, family friend.
And despite her current condition, Cisneros works hard to remain positive, relying on loved ones and prayer. She hopes to be an example for those addicted to cigarettes to encourage them to quit now.
"It's the smoking and I wish people would learn. You think "no it's not going to happen to me". Just like all kinds of other things, but no, I was the same one and said the same kind of things. But now look here, I'm one of them and I'm only 52", Cisneros explains.
She hopes to receive the double lung transplant in the next few months.
Although no surgery is scheduled at this point in time, Cheri says right now she is working on building up her strength to prepare for the transplant. She also says that she is so grateful for the community support.
The yard sale to benefit Cheri's double lung transplant will be held again Saturday from 8 a.m. until the sun goes down, on the 200 block of Ross in Abilene.
"I only have 15% lung function at this point. I'm in the end stage, and so this is really important that we get help, so we don't miss out on our chance for me to get new lungs again", says Cisneros.
She was diagnosed with COPD and needs a double lung transplant. This procedure can cost millions of dollars, and while she does have insurance, there is still a major financial gap to fill, which is exactly why family and friends are stepping up.
"I believe Cheri deserves a transplant and I believe if she does get one it will be from God and it will match perfect", says Jo Ann Lee, family friend.
And despite her current condition, Cisneros works hard to remain positive, relying on loved ones and prayer. She hopes to be an example for those addicted to cigarettes to encourage them to quit now.
"It's the smoking and I wish people would learn. You think "no it's not going to happen to me". Just like all kinds of other things, but no, I was the same one and said the same kind of things. But now look here, I'm one of them and I'm only 52", Cisneros explains.
She hopes to receive the double lung transplant in the next few months.
Although no surgery is scheduled at this point in time, Cheri says right now she is working on building up her strength to prepare for the transplant. She also says that she is so grateful for the community support.
The yard sale to benefit Cheri's double lung transplant will be held again Saturday from 8 a.m. until the sun goes down, on the 200 block of Ross in Abilene.
