In 1994, 14-year-old Courtney Nichols was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF); she was given seven years to live. "My life as I knew it was over," said Courtney. "Suddenly I was taking medicine, undergoing breathing treatments and chest therapy, and had many doctor visits and hospitalizations." Courtney's health continued to deteriorate, and on August 15, 2011, she received a double-lung transplant. "It was like breathing a breath of fresh air all the time." Before, she was unable to walk a few feet. Since the transplant, she has run a 5K twice. Courtney knew that someone had to pass away in order for her to live, but she came to terms with this, realizing that it was his wish to help others have a longer life than he had. In 2013, Courtney and her husband met the family of her 19-year-old donor, Matthew. The two families now have a very close relationship.

Courtney's Story

During the summer of 1994, before her freshman year of high school, Courtney Nichols was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF) a genetic lung disease. Doctors said that her life expectancy was only 21 years. Soon after, Courtney's 21-year-old sister was also diagnosed with CF.

"My life as I knew it was over. I was no longer a normal 14 year old," said Courtney. "Suddenly I was taking medicine, breathing treatments, chest therapy, and had many doctor visits and hospitalizations, usually for two weeks at a time, but was still getting sicker by the day."

As the years went by, Courtney's health continued to decline as did her weight. Just walking to the mailbox took her breath away.

When she was 27, Courtney met and fell in love with David; they married six months later. According to Courtney, David's goal was to get her well. "All I wanted to do was be able to walk the beach hand in hand with my husband," she said.

Two and a half years later, Courtney knew she needed a double-lung transplant in order to survive. The transplant evaluation process required that she first gain a great deal of weight. She did so with the help of a feeding tube, was approved and put on the waiting list on August 4, 2011. Just 11 days later she received "the call" - her new lungs were available. She was elated.

After her transplant, Courtney and her family needed to stay near the hospital. "I was able to enjoy life - It was like breathing a breath of fresh air all the time," said Courtney. "I began making big goals for the future. I wanted to be able to say I ran a 5K. I have never been able to run a few feet, much less a 5K. I did it twice and I have a love hate relationship with 5Ks."

Courtney was also able to fulfill her dream of being a mother. In July 2013, she and David adopted baby Hadleigh Jo and are enjoying this amazing gift.

Courtney knew that someone had to pass away in order for her to receive her new lungs, but she came to terms with this, realizing that it was his wish to help others live a longer life than he had. She had wanted to know the family of her 19-year-old donor, Matthew, and fortunately they wanted a relationship with the recipients of their son's organs. Courtney and Matthew's family met in April 2013.

"From that moment, we have helped each other in so many ways. We have an extremely close relationship and have gone on trips with them," Courtney stated. "They have a new daughter, son-in- law, and most importantly they are grandparents now. I enjoy spending time with them more than most of my friends. Without Matthew's and his family's decision to be an organ donor, none of this would have been possible."