Double Transplantee Pens Best Selling Memoir on Her Triumph over CF
“What has really gotten us this far? I think it’s our love.”
Shortly after the film’s premiere in the fall of 2011, Anabel was diagnosed with small bowel cancer, a common complication among patients with cystic fibrosis. In May of 2013, which would be one of Anabel’s last public appearances, the sisters gave a TEDx talk in Menlo Park about their experience with cystic fibrosis. “What has really gotten us this far? I think it’s our love. Illness can be a very lonely experience, and we feel very privileged that we have never, ever felt alone” said Isabel.
Just a few months later, on September 22nd, 41-year-old Anabel passed away at her Redwood City home of cancer. Although being diagnosed with cancer meant that she could not donate her organs and most of her tissues, the dedicated advocate donated her corneas.
