Boston-area woman gets double lung transplant in Pittsburgh

A Boston-area woman in Pittsburgh for a life-saving transplant received a new set of lungs Sunday.

Caitlin O'Hara, 33, was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at age 2 and has been waiting for a donor for two years.

On Sunday, her moment finally arrived, just when she needed it the most.

“As the head of her team said, her only choice after this was heaven in case it didn’t happen,” said her father, Nick O’Hara.

Doctors at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital performed the double lung transplant.

“They're a really good fit. She's breathing on her own lungs for the first time in two years,” Nick O’Hara said.

Her father said that despite the successful surgery, Caitlin is facing other issues.

“She's in intensive care in critical condition. She's having liver issues, where her liver is not really working,” Nick O’Hara said.

Read more about Caitlin’s journey here.

Cox Media Group