16-year-old Gena Whaley, an honor roll 11th grader at CCHS, has cystic fibrosis.  She has suffered from the disease most of her life and, until two years ago, lived her life normally with treatment. The disease worsened and she has been in need of a lung transplant.  After two years of waiting, she was accepted for the transplant.  From all indications, the transplant is on go and funds have been secured for the operation – however, because the operation will be performed at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital in Ohio, her family is facing a great challenge of months long stay with her during the recovery and subsequent post-op treatment. 

A friend of the family has set up a gofundme account to help offset some of the expenses the family will face including funds to help keep their home in Crossville while off work, travel expenses and living expenses in Ohio. You can CLICK HERE FOR THE GOFUNDME PAGE.

We’re told Gena is an extremely bright and talented young lady who has been dealt a tough hand in life.  But through it all, she keeps a smile on her face, loves art, swimming and tennis and excels very well in her studies. Gena has stated she would love to become a doctor someday. She is currently in Children’s Hospital in Knoxville.

Gena’s father is a maintenance worker in Crossville and her mother works at Ficosa in Cookeville.