Young Cystic Fibrosis Sufferer Takes Her First Steps After Surgery

Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary disease that causes disruption of the mucosa and the sweat glands. The mucosa becomes very dense and viscous, and therefore easily accumulates in the lungs and intestines. Over time, this causes irreversible damage to the organs. It affects representatives of all races and genders but is more common among people originating from northern Europe. In the US, approximately 1 in 3,500 people are born with this disease.

Cystic fibrosis is a progressive disease that, over time, causes significant damage to the body. Fortunately, in recent years, doctors and scientists have made a great step forward in the treatment of this disease. As a result, it is now possible to increase the average life expectancy of patients.

The story of the 25-year-old Violet Gomez is a success story.

Violet was a long time sufferer: whereas her friends graduated from college and enjoyed their lives, she was holding so poorly that even walking the length of her apartment caused her severe pain and exhaustion. She wasn’t able to do anything without stopping a long time only to take a break. This young woman used to rely on oxygen 24/7 after a build of mucus in her organs decreased her lung capacity to 20 percent.

After a series of infections, Violet was hospital-bound. Lung transplant was her only option and she was added to the waiting list in April, where the average waiting time is six months. But incredibly, only six days later she got the call and was rushed to the hospital where she was submitted to the critical surgery.

This footage recorded at Stanford Medical Center in Palo Alto, California, shows Violet taking her first steps fueled by healthy lungs full of oxygen, just two days after the operation. She said she was feeling free, which means she can breathe deeply for the first time in her life. Way to go Violet.