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22-Year-Old Woman Recovering After 2nd Double Lung Transplant

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Morgan Yoney is a spirited 22-year-old. But her battle with cystic fibrosis has weakened her lungs. When a new pair of lungs recently became available, the transplant began almost immediately at Presbyterian Hospital.

After a nine hour operation, surgeon Jonathan D'Cuna said, "She's doing as well as expected. She's critically ill, but making good progress."

Complicating matters, this is Morgan's second double-lung transplant in the past six years. The first was at Children's Hospital in 2010.

Morgan's family gets medicine and supplies from friends and strangers alike, at their Greene County home. An entire region is rooting for their daughter. As her transplanted lungs began to give out, Morgan made her plea.

"I have so many things I want to do, and without it, there's just nothing else we can do."

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Bob and Tammy Yoney's daughter was on the waiting list for more than two years.

"My biggest fear," Tammy said, "was not getting the lungs, because every day was a struggle for her. Knowing that she is so small, it's not an easy task to find lungs that fit somebody that small."

Dr. D'Cuna says Pittsburgh's one of only two locations nationwide capable of a completing second transplant.

"I remember at one point during the operation, I counted the number of people in the operating room, and there were 14 people in the operating room taking care of her."

With a new set of lungs, Morgan's fight begins anew. But Tammy acknowledges that doctors, family, and friends are on her side.

"I truly believe that she's going to surprise them a little bit, because she's an amazing girl."

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