Katy Starck-Monte has cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder that causes frequent lung infections, difficulty breathing and other serious symptoms. Whitestone residents Monte and her husband Joe, a firefighter, are expressing their desperate need for organ donors throughout the region.
Friends of Katy started a social media campaign, #oomphforkaty, which has drawn support from people across the country including celebrities such as Kevin Bacon and Matthew Broderick. The campaign began in December to promote awareness of cystic fibrosis and organ donation as well as give Katy moral support.
The Facebook page includes a video message from “Sharknado” star Ian Ziering and pictures of Bacon and Shawn Ashmore sending support, as well as former Yankee Jonny Damon and others.
Katy has been on a waiting list for lungs since August but has not received any calls for matches.