A Little About Joanne Schum

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Joanne Marie Schum is the youngest of seven siblings of George and Katherine Schum. Growing up in the Rochester, New York area with Cystic Fibrosis (a genetic lung disease), Joanne led a rather normal life, attending college, working in her chosen career field and being with friends and family.

As she reached her mid twenties, life became increasingly more difficult until it was nearly impossible to maneuver and have any quality of life. That is when a lung transplant became the top priority in her life. She temporarily relocated to Chapel Hill, North Carolina while waiting for a bi-lateral lung transplant. She received her much anticipated transplant at the University of North Carolina Hospitals Chapel Hill, on September 12, 1997. Her lung transplant has allowed her to become involved with many organizations; volunteering as a speaker; writing for various Cystic Fibrosis and lung transplant newsletters; board member and mentor.

Never an athlete, in her post-transplant days, she has taken to biking, running, walking, swimming and she participated in the 2000 and 2002 United States Transplant Games. She no longer passes up an adventure and can be found driving tractors, motorbikes, and has also flown in a High Performance Schleicher ASK-21 Sailplane. Her continued great health will allow her many more days with her new 'wings of breath' so she can travel, work, play and enjoy her family and friends.

Update:
Joanne has compiled two very popular cystic fibrosis and transplant resource books:

Taking Flight -Inspirational Stories of Lung Transplantation

Taking Flight -Inspirational Stories of Lung Transplantation, More Journeys