State Senator Sharon Runner (R-Antelope Valley) is recuperating at UCLA Medical Center after undergoing a successful double lung transplant.

"My family and I are thankful to the talented team of doctors, nurses and health care professionals for their care," said Runner. "My heart and gratitude go out to the family and friends of the anonymous donor."

"While they have lost a loved one, I hope they find comfort in knowing the power of their generous donation. This gift of life helped save eight lives and enhanced 50 others."

A limited scleroderma patient, Runner caught several infections last Fall which led to her reenlistment on the lung transplant list. Placement on the transplant list is determined by the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) organization's national centralized computer.

There is an estimated 300,000 people living with this condition; and nearly 80 percent are women.

Runner's doctors expect her to make a full recovery. Within two to three weeks, Runner will be released from the hospital to resume her public service and will initially work from home. Runner anticipates returning to the office in the Spring.

About Scleroderma
Limited scleroderma, or CREST syndrome, is an autoimmune condition affecting the body's connective tissue. The purpose of the body's immune system is to fight infection and disease; however, with limited scleroderma, the immune system attacks the healthy connective tissue as well. For more information, please visit the Scleroderma Foundation's website at www.scleroderma.org.

About United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS)
United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS ) is the private, non-profit organization that manages the nation's organ transplant system under contract with the federal government.

Each day, an average of 75 people receive organ transplants according to statistics from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services .

Over 8.7 million Californians are registered donors. To give the gift of life, residents can sign up at DonateLifeCalifornia.org or simply mail in the pink donation registration card in the DMV renewal packet.

About UCLA Medical Center
The UCLA lung transplant program provides comprehensive care and develops an individualized strategy to improve the quality of life for patients. The UCLA lung transplant program is Medicare certified.