Joy as CF campaigner finally gets double lung transplant
IRISH cystic fibrosis campaigner Orla Tinsley is recovering in hospital following a double lung transplant in the US.
The 30-year-old had previously received six calls about a potential lung transplant to date but each time the donor lungs were deemed unsuitable. Ten days ago, Ms Tinsley received her seventh call and returned to New York Presbyterian Hospital for the operation.
On Wednesday, she wrote online: “This morning we got a call but I wanted to wait. Well, here it is, Lucky Number 7. I’m not afraid. Please send love, prayers and best wishes. Double lung transplant is a go! Love, love, love.”
Following the surgery yesterday, an update was posted online to inform well-wishers that Ms Tinsley was recovering in hospital.
“She will be going through a lot in the next few days so please keep her in your minds. We are not out of the woods yet but the trees are beginning to thin. Thanks for all your support and well wishes,” the message read.
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a lifelong genetically inherited disease that mainly affects the lungs and the digestive system. There is currently no cure.
Ms Tinsley, a Kildare-born journalist, has been at the forefront of the fight to improve awareness of CF and has written extensively on the subject.