Meaghan’s Miracle continues

by Karen Keefe
Grand Island Dispatch, June 3, 2005

Meaghan Grotz, 17, enjoys the warm spring weather outside her home and looks forward to bike riding and Rollerblading with friends, now that she is regaining her strength following a double lung transplant in Pittsburgh last year. (photo by Karen Keefe)

Meaghan Grotz is back in school, enjoying classes, friends, sports and music.

That’s tremendous progress, considering that in November, the 17-year-old Grand Island High School senior received a double lung transplant to counteract the debilitating effects of Cystic Fibrosis.

“I’m excited,” she says. “I have a lot of energy. Gym class is easy now.” She is looking forward to bike riding and Rollerblading with her friends.

How much better is her lung power? So much so that she is back in high school wind ensemble, and played clarinet with the group at the town’s Memorial Day ceremonies.

Community Rallied Around

Before a donor match was found, the entire Grand Island community rallied around the pretty teen and her family. People of all ages participated in fund-raising events to assist with the many expenses incurred on the path to health that the family called “Meaghan’s Miracle.”

Her parents, Tim and Kate, are thrilled with her recovery and proud of her determination. Her dad said wherever he goes, everyone always asks him how Meagan is doing.

She recently enjoyed a girls’ night, watching the movie, “Alfie,” with her close friends, Shayna Dimatteo, Natalie Fischer and Adrienne LaLiberty.

Recovery On Track

Her recuperation from surgery at a Pittsburgh hospital is on track. She has been back five times for various tests – a bronchoscopy, pulmonary function tests, X-rays and tests for rejection and infection.

She speaks of the medical procedures with the familiarity of first-hand knowledge and the ease of someone comfortable and happy with her renewed energy level.

“I’ve always been interested in medicine,” she says. Of all the tests, she comments, “I pretty much understand them.”

Close-knit Family

Her family and friends have been drawn closer than ever since Meaghan’s transplant surgery. “We’ve always been a tight-knit family.” The mantle in the family room has a huge, colorful card from relatives in Texas who call frequently for updates.

Two big events are coming up soon for Meaghan Grotz. She’ll realize her dream of walking across the stage to receive her high school diploma on June 23 at Kleinhans. Then, a few days later, she will turn 18.

Meaghan plans to go to Canisius College in the fall.

“I’m doing really well and looking forward to moving onto college and being a normal teen,” she says.

“I feel like I have an understanding that God is with me now and he really does let miracles happen.”