When she was born, children with cystic fibrosis (CF) rarely survived to school age. But Merle Brodsky Manganiello never let the challenging illness define her. She graduated from American University, worked at the Pentagon, married Lou, the love of her life, and started her own jewelry design business. When CF made breathing almost impossible, Merle received a double lung transplant at UCSD Medical Center – a precious gift from her donor Chad that gave her family an additional nine years of life. She was adamant she wanted to be a donor, too, and was able to give the precious gift of sight and tissue to others.

Merle's Story

Merle Brodsky Manganiello always defied the odds and lived every day of her 51 years to their fullest.

When she was born, children with cystic fibrosis (CF) rarely survived to school age. But Merle never let the challenging illness define her. She graduated from American University in Washington, D.C. While working at the Pentagon, she met and married Lou, the love of her life. When they moved to San Diego in 1998, she volunteered to help others. Her talents often transformed the ordinary into the incredibly beautiful. She started her own business designing unique jewelry. She also enjoyed traveling with her family and riding through the countryside behind Lou on his 'hog.'

When CF made breathing almost impossible at the age of 42, Merle received a double lung transplant at UCSD Medical Center – a precious gift from her donor Chad that gave her family an additional nine years of life with her. She went from being on oxygen, barely able to walk across a hall, to doing two half-marathons with her donor's mom. They even participated in two U.S. Transplant Games together.

Following Merle's death, her transplant nurse flew across the country to attend Merle's crowded Celebration of Life. She noted Merle's ability to make everyone know they were a special friend. Merle had a rare gift to infuse those around her with her passion for life. She never took life for granted and wouldn't let those around her do so either.

An incredible champion for Donate Life San Diego, Merle valued the precious second chance at life she had received from her donor. She was adamant she wanted to be a donor, too, and was able to give the precious gift of sight and tissue to others.

Perhaps Merle's life might seem short to many, but those who were touched by her understood that the quality of existence far exceeds the quantity of time one lives.