MOULTRIE, Ga. — For Bonnie Griner, growing up with Cystic Fibrosis was anything but easy.
"It was pretty difficult right when I started college," Griner said. "It was stressful because I had to figure out how to be an adult on my own and still maintain my treatments."
When Griner reached her mid-30s her doctor knew that it was time to look into transplants to ultimately save her life.
Duke University Hospital in North Carolina stepped up to the challenge giving Griner a special gift for her 38th birthday.
"The night before my birthday, the transplant coordinator called and said it looks like you will get lungs for your birthday," Griner said. "As soon as I woke up, there was no more oxygen and no more pain. It was miraculous truly."
Griner owes a lot of her success to the Children Organ Transplant Association.
The organization helped her raise the money needed for the transplant.
"I can't say enough about what a great organization it is and what a relief it was when they came into the picture.They just take your hand and walk with you,"
Griner said.
Now, Griner is living a whole new life.
"I was a house wife before the transplant. Now I'm able to work," Griner said.
She wants to spread awareness about the disease she defeated.
"Bringing awareness to CF is so important just for research. We've come so far in my life time," Griner said.
Now she's on a mission to inspire others through her journey.
To learn more about Cystic Fibrosis: click here
