WAYNESBURG - Morgan Yoney stepped out of her hospital bed three days after a double lung and liver transplant, showing her family, friends and her community that the strongest, bravest people can sometimes wear pink pajamas.

Yoney, 15, of Waynesburg, was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when she was 9 months old. She remained healthy until a few years ago, when the disease began affecting her lungs and liver. She was placed on a transplant list in July, and after six months of waiting, the double lung and liver transplant was scheduled for Jan. 15.

Although Yoney said in November that she was afraid of facing the difficult surgery, she opted to undergo the operation.

"I figured that it would be the best thing to do because I won't be sick anymore," Yoney said, nearly two months before her surgery.

Now, three weeks following the transplants, Yoney's mother, Tammy Yoney, said her daughter isn't requiring oxygen during the day, and doctors said she is doing way better than expected.

"I'm excited and happy + overwhelmed," said Tammy Yoney. "It's been a roller coaster ride in the dark. You don't know what's coming."

Morgan Yoney, who was unable to be interviewed because of her feeding tube, told her mother that she is thankful for the continued support and prayers.

Tammy Yoney said the transplant has been a blessing, and the Yoney family will be forever thankful to the donors, whom the family does not know. Eventually, Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh will offer Morgan Yoney the opportunity to write a "thank-you" letter to her donor's family. The donor's family will decide whether or not to contact her.

Although the new lungs and liver will not cure cystic fibrosis, the disease will not affect the transplanted organs. The lungs and liver have different DNA.

According to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Web site, cff.org, cystic fibrosis is caused by a defective gene that causes the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus. The mucus clogs the lungs and obstructs the pancreas, affecting how the body breaks down and absorbs food. In a small percentage of cases, like Morgan Yoney's, the disease also affects the liver.

"Her biggest problems were her lungs and her liver," Tammy Yoney said. "Now, she should be able to live like a healthy child who takes a few medications."

Prior to the surgery, the teen was home-schooled. She was on oxygen 24 hours a day, and attending school increased her chances of becoming ill. Last fall, Morgan Yoney was hospitalized for both the H1N1 virus and pneumonia.

Although Morgan Yoney is making a quick recovery, Tammy Yoney does not know how long her daughter will remain in the hospital. Morgan Yoney will be released to the Ronald McDonald House in Pittsburgh, where Tammy Yoney expects she will stay for at least four weeks.

Although Morgan Yoney has had several visitors, including four of her friends and many family members, visitations are limited to avoid infection. Tammy Yoney said her daughter has made friends at the hospital, some of whom are transplant patients. Morgan Yoney may be contacted at Children's Hospital by letter at 4401 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa. 15224. She and her family also are communicating on Facebook. Search "Morgan Yoney" to visit her Facebook group.

Tammy Yoney said insurance has covered the transplant surgery and the hospital stay, but the family is responsible for any additional costs such as lodging in Pittsburgh. To help the Yoney family, Jason Renner and Courtney Long, who are both stylists at the Eye Candy Salon in Waynesburg, organized a spaghetti dinner for Friday.

The dinner will be held at First Christian Church on Morris Street in Waynesburg. The spaghetti dinner is $6 and includes a salad and a dessert. Dinners also will be available for takeout. The dinner will be held from 4 to 7 p.m.

"No matter what (Morgan Yoney) goes through, she just fights the battle and gets through it," Renner said. "You would never know she's going through such a journey."

Renner, who has known Morgan Yoney for nearly a year, said she is strong, bright girl with an amazing personality.

"Nothing can get her down," Renner said.

Anyone interested in showing his or her support for Morgan Yoney also may purchase a T-shirt, long-sleeve T-shirt or hooded sweatshirt with the purple rose. Order forms are available at the Eye Candy Salon. The salon, which is owned by Candy Lapping, also is accepting donations.

Lapping, Morgan's aunt, placed a sign in front of the salon, which is located on the intersection of Greene Street and South Maiden Street.

"People are coming in who don't know Morgan," Lapping said. "It's amazing. You won't believe all the people who stopped in and said they are praying for Morgan. They're donating money and donating dinners to people who may not be able to afford them."