By Kayla Hallac, Staff Writer

The average lifespan for people living with cystic fibrosis is 37 years. Outer Banks resident Tricia Lawrenson is 37 years old, and she’s beating the odds and the disease.

“I’ve always pushed through a disease of some sort, whether it’s cystic fibrosis, cancer, diabetes, being immune compromised or fighting rejection,” Lawrenson said.

Cystic fibrosis is a chronic genetic disease in which the body produces a thick mucus that impacts the lungs and normal breathing patterns. Ultimately, some people living with cystic fibrosis end up requiring a lung transplant. Lawrenson, who has lived on the Outer Banks for 20 years, has been fortunate enough to receive two so far. 

Lung transplants in cystic fibrosis patients tend to last for about 10 years, and Lawrenson’s last transplant is failing. On March 6, she welcomed the news that she had received approval for a third, under the care of Duke University Hospital.

Just a few short weeks after getting the call, though, COVID-19 started spreading rapidly in the United States, making it much more difficult for Lawrenson to get the treatment she needs.

“The average wait at Duke is 17 days, and I’m at day 35. Duke is no longer accepting lungs that come from any hospital with COVID patients in their ICU, so the donor pool has greatly decreased,” Lawrenson explained. “I have also had to cancel a lot of appointments at Duke so I can stay away from the hospital. I’m doing some appointments by phone call and video conference.”

Lawrenson has not been anywhere except her apartment, physical therapy gym and Duke hospital in the past five weeks. She also has not seen her kids because of how high risk she is for COVID-19.

That separation has proven especially painful. Because of her disease, Lawrenson has been forced to take life and relationships very seriously – her husband, Nathan, has played a huge role in her success since the start of their relationship as 18- and 19-year-olds.

“Nathan’s dedication and commitment to my health, by coming out to my hospitalizations and doctor appointments, I knew his love for me was genuine. We quickly fell in love and knew we wanted to eventually make that permanent,” Tricia said.

Nathan also plays a huge role in helping Tricia keep hope and supporting her at all costs, especially with COVID-19 spreading.

“I am nervous, but I’m trying to stay calm and focused. There is a lot that could go wrong, but it doesn’t do any good to think about those things,” Tricia said. “My husband keeps me safe and germ-free, so I let him stress about most of it. I am always hopeful.”

Lawrenson’s story is unique even among those who battle CF. She’s been a warrior her whole life, not only dealing with her own diseases, but also in giving birth to her daughter amid her medical chaos.

While pregnant with her second child, Lawrenson’s lungs were on the verge of failing and she was in desperate need of a double lung transplant. Her doctors recommended abortion: Otherwise, the pregnancy would give her an estimated survival rate at only 50 percent for both mother and baby. So Tricia began her record of beating the odds and pushed forward, and in 2008, Gwyneth was successfully delivered with only minor disabilities.

“She was a living, breathing, 1-pound-6-ounce miracle that reminds me every day that God answers prayers,” Lawrenson said. “Because of this, I am a passionate advocate for children with disabilities and enjoy our close-knit community of families who have children who are differently abled.”

Lawrenson received her first double-lung transplant shortly after Gwyneth’s birth, and the second in 2013, which involved chronic rejection – when the body actually fights the new organs needed to save it.

At her weakest points, Lawrenson’s strong beliefs and faith helped her get through it.

“God certainly showed me it is those around us who love us deeply, that carried me through. My first transplant involved being diagnosed with cancer. But I made it through. My family helped take care of our newborn, our church met our needs great and small,” Lawrenson said.

The support from her church and the Outer Banks community has been a major push for Lawrenson to keep going.

On Feb. 16, Outer Banks resident Rebecca Meyers organized a surprise send-off, where 200 people lined the streets for Tricia and Nathan as they traveled to Durham in preparation for the third transplant.

“I just closed my eyes and pictured what it would be like leaving your family and your children and what would make you feel better, and that’s where it came from,” Meyers said.

Meyers recognizes the strong and unique qualities Lawrenson has.

“She is definitely the strongest woman that I’ve ever met,” Meyers said, “She loves life so much, and I think that’s why she fights so much to live it.”

That fight even captured the attention of students and faculty at FFHS, who have been following Lawrenson’s story closely.

“I actually lost a friend that I grew up with from the same thing, and seeing her fight, it actually gives me a lot of hope knowing what people can overcome,” Principal Chuck Lansing said. “I hope she realizes how powerful that is and the impact that she has on so many people here.”

The community’s role in her recovery has been a huge push for Lawrenson. Multiple businesses have held fundraisers or raised awareness to help with the financial burden of the third transplant. Some businesses that have played a part include, Surfin’ Spoon and Slice Pizzeria, and several fundraisers have taken place with the help of Nags Head Church.

“I learned during this time: We need community. And when we have a community that serves and loves and supports others going through the toughest times of their life, it adds a richness and levity to their situation,” Lawrenson said. “But it also shines on the community at large and the purpose a community should serve. Every single person has a part to play.”

Lawrenson’s personal virtues shine strong and help her defeat whatever comes her way.

“I believe in always telling the truth. Never calling anyone stupid or dumb. Being kind to everyone, including those who are unkind. Loving others deeply. Reaching out to the needy. Spending quality time with others,” Lawrenson said. “It’s through the love of others in our community that keeps me strong and keeps me going. It’s my faith in God that gives me hope. My desire to be back home with my children that I adore, to fight until the next day, no matter what it holds.”

Lawrenson impacts others strongly, and also enjoys spending time with family, whether that be fishing with her son or visiting the SPCA with her daughter. She loves eating peaches and pie, and being outdoors.

Even with COVID-19 spreading, she’s ready to fight, and keep a positive mindset. 

“It honestly has not changed my perspective on the brevity of life. I’ve been living life for a long time knowing that life is shorter than we want it to be,” Lawrenson said. “I am seeing how others are changing. I think this is giving people a great appreciation for the simpler, less busy things of life, like spending time with family, talking with friends, helping others who are less fortunate. I am hopeful that the world will ultimately grow to be a better place because of all of this.”

With the best hopes and blessings, anything is possible. 

“Every fight in my life has been worth it. I know not everyone has the ability to live beyond their life expectancy, have a wonderful husband and two great kids, live at the beach and be able to pursue their dreams,” Lawrenson said, “I am feeling very loved as I am surrounded in our apartment by signs given to me to be brave, be strong and to fight – OBX strong!”

To help Tricia’s journey financially, click here.

Sophomore Kayla Hallac can be reached at 22hallacka85@daretolearn.org.