Until recently, being able to breathe was a daily struggle for Joe Johnston.
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Living with cystic fibrosis, the 24-year-old said he couldn’t even walk through his house without getting puffed.
But after a double lung transplant the future has never looked brighter for Joe.
On Tuesday he returned to his Invermay home after six months at Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital.
This included 21 days in the intensive care unit following complications from his surgery.
Now on the mend, Joe’s transformation is nothing short of remarkable according to his mother Jenny, who has been by his side every step of the way.
“To say the last six months have been hard would be a big understatement,” she said.
“I feel incredibly lucky to have had the support of my family and friends.
“Our life is so different since the transplant.
“It really is a whole new beginning.”
Joe’s return to Tasmania also meant being reunited with his sister Grace and brother Will.
The siblings hadn’t seen each other in months, with the family unable to cover the expense of travelling back and forth to Melbourne.
Joe said it felt great to be back in his own bed and reunited with the people he loved.
“I was definitely starting to get homesick,” he said.
“My main goal for now is to stay as active as a I can and to gradually build up my fitness.
“I want to join a gym and just work on getting stronger.
“It used to be a full-time job just to take care of myself, but now I have the chance for a real life.”
May is National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month.
A genetic condition, from the birth CF affect every organ in the body apart from the brain, but is best known for its impact on the lungs.
Tasmania currently has the second highest number of people living with the genetic condition in the world.
There is no cure and the life expectancy for people with CF is about 37 years.
Next Saturday a fundraising event for the Johnston’s will be held at Glenara Lakes at Youngtown.
Featuring live music and auctions, the fundraiser has been organised by some of Jenny’s work colleagues.
Tickets are available for $15 at the door, by calling Lee-Ann on 0428 147 682 or emailing leepat222@gmail.com.