My lung transplant in November of 2005 was a blessing, especially after four-and-a-half years on the wait list. I was a star patient in the eyes of the doctors and medical staff at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Amber WesemannThen, within less then a year I found myself in a terrible situation, in rejection and eventually with BOS (bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome) with no new treatments or options for me in the local Boston area.

After careful search, my family had found an opportunity for transplant at Duke University Medical Center in North Carolina. Duke offered me a chance at a second transplant.

After waiting approximately six weeks, most of which was inpatient, I got the call for my second chance at life in February of 2007.

Now, three years out from that latest transplant, I can now call it a success.

It has not only added years to my life, but the cliché "live every day to it’s fullest" is now my motto and recipe for life. I hope others -- patients, families, and medical staff alike -- find my story inspiring and empowering, as I've struggled to overcome many battles and ultimately survived to relish each day that has been given.

Learn more about Amber's story by visiting Angels for Amber.