Lawrenson FamilyDuke is my "home away from home." I have spent more nights away from home at Duke than any other place in the world.

It is a place I would be glad to call home. The doctors, nurses, and staff have all been exceptional in making my stays an unforgettable experience.

I have had cystic fibrosis all of my life and had been treated at Duke since 2000 for my disease. I spent many nights in the "Duke Inn," as I like to call it, for lung disease flare ups.

The 7800 floor was a place I felt welcomed in, a place where I could trust all of my doctors and nurses, and where I saw many people go above and beyond their call of duty.

In 2007, my lungs deteriorated to the point of needing a double lung transplant. I was also pregnant at the time and stayed at Duke from December 2007-May 2008.

During that time, I was always treated in the best manner, by whom I believe had the best care for my situation at that time. It was a rocky road for sure, and a future that no one could predict.

I will never regret my decision to stay at Duke. The doctors did their best to keep me and my baby alive, and we both had the most incredible doctors and nurses take care of us during this period.

A special recognition to my lung doctor team: Dr. Kussin, Edana, Christy, and Bill for their love and concern for not just me but my family during this scary time. The ICU team and staff in the NICU, 8200, and 7800 were amazing and kept my spirit alive by how well they cared for us.

And also another special thanks goes out to the amazing team of surgeons, doctors, and coordinators that make up the double lung transplant team who helped me through the hardest medical procedure my body has endured.

My story continues, and so do my stays at Duke. My daughter also frequently visits the Infant Special Care Team, who take care of her needs. And there is literally no place I'd rather be than at Duke!

I will forever and always be appreciative to the many hands, hearts, and help that went into my care at Duke University. I will be eternally grateful to everyone who has touched my life!