Hope
At 41, George has passed the median life expectancy of 37 for a person with CF. George is waiting to be placed on a transplant list. His friends, family, co-workers and members of the New Gloucester Fire Department have formed a committee to ease the burden to George and Amy. They know that he will need a double lung transplant soon, and they have learned from others that the expenses not covered by insurance will range in the amount of $300,000. "George's Fan Club", as he calls the committee, is raising funds with many different benefits and selling "Lungs for George" awareness bracelets to support George's journey. They are seeking donations from individuals, businesses and organizations. The committee's goal is to assure that the money will be there when the time comes for George to travel to New York for the transplant. George gives a lot to the community and now it is time for the community to give back. He is a proud man who always has done for himself and his family, but he realizes that the operation will be necessary if he wants to continue to live his life as a son, husband and father. He has been known to say, "We have to do what we have to do to be with our children." The support group is looking at a three year plan of events, a big task, but their beginning has been encouraging.
