Backup of David's Livejournal

I go climbing during lunchtime a couple of times a week with my colleagues.  Last week, I wore a t-shirt from an old fund raiser for Stacey Li Collver.

It's a great shirt with the front designed by Lynn Hill.

I heard the voice of a woman calling out, "I know that shirt!"

I turned around, and it was Stacey.  She was there climbing and preparing for another fundraiser.  (Details coming, when I get the flier again.)

Her story is inspiring, here's an excerpt from the Lynn Hill link above:

In August 2003, Stacey was diagnosed with a rare lung disease called lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM). By that time, her case was already in an advanced state. At the time of diagnosis, she was put on supplemental oxygen, and she was told she had approximately two 2 years to live unless she received a lung transplant.

Fortunately, in November 2004 Stacey did receive a double-lung transplant at the Stanford Medical Center! She was taken care of by her mother, Laura Jeanchild and friend Dave Allen with special attention to nutrition. After a lot of rehabilitation, Stacey was back to climbing indoors 3 months after surgery! However, within the next week she had a major setback, and fell ill to CMV virus, pneumonia, and influenza all at once and spent nearly 2 more months in the hospital. She was released from the hospital in April 2005 and is now making a second recovery. Six months post-transplant, she started hiking and indoor climbing again.

While the transplant was hailed as a success, she continues to battle post-operation complications and has amassed enormous medical bills. Survival rates for transplant patients remain at 70% for the first year, and 50% for the first five years.
Stacey Collver is widely known within the community as the tiny climber who encourages others through enthusiastic coaching, patient mentoring and by leading though example.

I'd seen Stacey at the gym before, I even remember "that girl with the oxygen tank" from a few years ago.  It was good to finally meet her and to be able to exchange a few words.  Please visit her organization, The WindSong Foundation.