Allegheny County

‘They life-flighted her’: Family searching for organ donors after teen daughter’s serious flu case

PITTSBURGH — A local family is searching for a new set of lungs after a serious bout with the flu landed their teenage daughter on the transplant list.

Anna Shaffer was hospitalized in December and has been on life support at Children’s Hospital ever since.

“When she got to the emergency room, she was almost non-responsive. It had hit her that fast,” mom Erin Shaffer said. “I thought she was going to go to the doctor, the hospital, get a treatment, get antibiotics and come home. And, they life-flighted her.”

Anna Shaffer spent six weeks in a medically-induced coma. Erin Shaffer tells Channel 11 that doctors tried to save her lungs but there is too much damage.

“There have been many offers, probably about five that I know of. They are not right for her. Either they are too big or the lungs aren’t healthy enough,” Erin Shaffer said.

Anna Shaffer’s family has been with her every step of the way, but they are just part of the support system. She has an army.

“Anna’s Army has grown. It’s a bunch of people who pray for her. They support our family,” Erin Shaffer said.

Anna’s Army also pitches in, planning fundraisers for the family so they can focus on caring for their daughter.

You can find more information on Anna’s Army by clicking here.

There are multiple fundraisers planned. If you’d like to contribute financially, there is a fund set up at S&T Bank. Ask for “Anna’s Medical Bill Fund.”

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