http://www.cysticfibrosismacarthur.org.au

A second chance at life

February 2, 2012

A second chance at life
BY ILIANA STILLITANO

LYING in a hospital bed, taking what could have been her last breaths, Lauren Rowe thought about her future. Ms Rowe was born with cystic fibrosis, an incurable genetic disorder that clogged her lungs with thick and sticky mucus.

At just 19, doctors told her without a lung transplant, she only had 12 months to live.
So when a donor became available and Ms Rowe came through the life-saving operation, thoughts of a bright future boosted her recovery. “After the transplant, I had some setbacks which were extremely unpleasant, but three things got me through,” she said. “One was hope for an awesome future, the other was those close to me and the third were my dogs.”

Since receiving new lungs almost two years ago, Ms Rowe, who lives in Raby, said she tried to “experience and embrace the many things life has to offer”. “Last week for instance I climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge with my girlfriend, who is also swimming in Team Lozza.”

Team Lozza is a group of steadfast friends that don pink tights and turn out for the Advertiser’s Swim for CF. Each year they raise between $2500 up to an impressive $6000. “The team started getting more sponsors because of the pink tights,” she said. “It is such an empowering feeling to have people swim for me. “I am filled with so much gratitude that I have had so much support.”

Not put off by the colour code is Macarthur MP Russell Matheson who will join Team Lozza at the swimathon on February 11.

Money raised at the swim and the launch night goes towards supporting CF sufferers.
There are 80 living in the Macarthur region.

THE WHENS AND WHERES
When: The swimathon is on February 11 at the Wollondilly Community Leisure Centre, Picton. The swimathon launch will be on February 9 at Camden Valley Inn.
Donating: Visit www.everydayhero.com.au/event/swimathonforcysticfibrosis to make a donation or visit www.stickytickets.com.au/7071 to buy a ticket to the swimathon launch.

Details: Visit www.cysticfibrosismacarthur.org.au, email alicia.bowie@fairfaxmedia.com.au or call 46405117.