(Nov. 11, 2007) -- Acacia Rizzo Cugno, the 16 year old girl who underwent traumatic double-lung transplant surgery in confronting an extremely rare life-threatening ailment, has had a tough post-surgical recovery.

Photo source: Acacia fund webpage

LBReport.com is pleased to report that for the past few days, Acacia has brought smiles by breathing with her new lungs.

Her daily battle is eloquently described online by her father, Russ Cugno.

Sunday, November 11, 2007

another walking day

the nurse said she's 'good' today

she's on her 'trach mask'

-breathing on her own, with her new lungs

she's gonna take another walk today

and the nurse is happy with her 'progress'

me too

thank christ!!

Saturday, November 10, 2007

[3:14 p.m.] "doin' great"

just got this text from her

'on the chair

doin' the mask

doin' great'

well what do you think of that!

[9:15 a.m.] good morning!

her nurse said that it's a good morning

she's watchin' a movie with her mom

and feelin' good

-when they take fluids off, that really helps her

all the numbers are good

and she said she's smiling a lot

(that must be making the whole hospital brighter)

- oOh that smile...

Mr. Cugno operates the famed "Land Of Fruits And Nuts" store aboard the Queen Mary (which makes highly-praised "California Shakes" with ice cream + sun-dried fruits and nuts; it's been on NBC, PBS, the Food Network and elsewhere).

Because non-insured expenses for Acacia's pre and post operative care continue to mount, a fundraiser was held atop Smooth's rooftop terrace on Nov. 7, with food, music, prizes and a silent auction.

Among those attending was Mayor Bob Foster (left in photo)...who conveyed his best to Dad Russ Cugno (right in photo).

The event was previewed by the Business Journal (carried two full page ads), PT scribe Tom Hennessy and a piece in LBReport.com. [We learned of it via two LBReport.com advertisers: Bill Lovelace Entertainment (provided the music/sound) and Smooth's (provided food/venue)] Of the event, Mr. Cugno wrote:

at the event last night at Smooth's,

I felt so encouraged and loved that I know this battle is being fought

-with an army full of people who care so deeply about

me, my daughter and just plain ol' people who need a hand.

The heart-felt love and sense of compassion was overwhelming.

The event for my daughter was not a success for the amount of cash that it raised

but for the outpouring of true love that it conveyed.

If you couldn't attend but would like to help, there's a way to contribute online: click here.