Six years ago, Ellyn Cohen of Holliston couldn't walk across her kitchen without an oxygen tank.But today, she was out for a long spring walk, thanks to the kindness and generosity of a complete stranger, who donated part of a lung to the Holliston mom.
"It's remarkable, when you think about it...the compassion some people have," says Cohen, "and I'm alive because of it."
In 2004, Cohen was suffering from a rare lung disease known asLAM, which effects mostly women.
In desperation, she began emailing friends -- it soon turned into a kind-of electronic chain letter.
A donor was found on the Cape -- a complete stranger to Ellyn -- a woman named Hillary Green, who agreed to donate part of a lung to save a woman she'd never met.
"Well, if someone needs help, and I'm able to do it, then I will," said Green.
Ellyn's brother was also a match, and donated a lobe. Cohen said today,
"We have a wonderful relationship with Hillary, she's on my left, and my brother is on my right."
But the surgery left Hillary Green with 24 percent less lung capacity.
But she's been running, and has built up her lungs to 100 percent.
Now, she's going to run the Boston Marathon on Monday.
"I'll finish. I guarantee it...even if I have to walk across the finish line."
If you're interested in becoming an organ donor, visit Donate Life New England to sign up.
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