On November 11, 2005, Sharon W. contacted the horse rescue to donate a stallion she owned.  Sharon's health was severe enough that she did not feel she could continue caring for the stallion.  Based on her desire to see that the stallion was cared for properly, she made the decision to bring him to the rescue.  Upon her visit she shared the story of her declining health with the rescue staff.  The following events detail her story:

• Sharon was admitted to her local hospital in February 2004 and diagnosed with chronic lung disease.  She was sent home on 2 liters of intermittent oxygen.

• A bronchoscopy was performed as an outpatient; however, it was inconclusive.

• She was sent to the University of Chicago for an open lung biopsy in May 2004, where she was diagnosed with interstitial lung fibrosis and plural thickening.

• In June 2004 Sharon presented with symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis, and subsequently started treatment.

• She was forced by her condition to progressively increase oxygen usage.

• She was referred to Mayo Clinic in June 2005, where they performed tests and confirmed her interstitial lung fibrosis.

• She  was up to continual oxygen, progressively getting worse and not holding saturation rates.

• Her oxygen requirements had risen to 6.5 liters at rest and 10 to 15 liters at stress with 82% saturation rate.  She could not carry on a 15 minute conversation without becoming short of breath.  Her prognosis was respiratory failure inside one year.

• The discussion and preparations were made for her to be placed on the list for a lung transplant.

Due to the commitment shown to her equine, this information was brought to the attention of the research staff.  A lengthy discussion was initiated describing some of the ongoing research projects.  Sharon requested an analysis of her blood to be performed.  In that analysis, arterial parasites were detected.  She sought treatment for the parasitic infection.  Removing the parasites from the equation did not negate the existing damage to her tissue.  Sharon followed the same protocol designed to generate recovery in equine.  At 90 days her current status is as follows:

• Sharon's current oxygen usage is 5 liters at rest and 6.5 to 8 liters at stress, holding 96% saturation rate.

• her activity level has increased immeasurably!

• She now has the ability to maintain a conversation without becoming winded.

• Respiratory failure in one year is no longer her prognosis.

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