A positive attitude has brought George Carman far beyond the expectations for a person born with cystic fibrosis. But he needs something more to keep going.

That is why a group of friends and family have rallied around the 41-year-old New Gloucester firefighter, forming a group called “New Lungs for George.” The organization has worked since 2004 to raise money to cover unpaid medical expenses for a double lung transplant that will save Carman’s life.

“Everything George has been told not to do, he’s done. And he’s beaten the odds by surviving,” said Scott Doyle, the chairman of New Lungs for George.

New Lungs For George has campaigned throughout New England with a goal of raising $300,000. So far, they have raised $160,000, through bottle drives, pig roasts and an Italian potluck dinner.

Carman was born with cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease that effects about 30,000 children and adults in the United States. A defective gene causes the body to produce an abnormally thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs, leading to life-threatening infections. Thick secretions also obstruct the pancreas, causing digestive trouble.

The severity of cystic fibrosis varies from person to person, and there are many factors that determine the lifespan of anyone who has the disease. According to a Cystic Fibrosis Foundation analysis done in 2005, the median age of survival is 36 1/2 years.

At 41, Carman has outlived most people with the disease. But it is not just longevity Carman has been blessed with.

His parents were told he would only live for a few days after birth. Carman spent his early childhood in an oxygen tent, but was able to venture outside to go to kindergarten. In high school, he joined the track team, against the advice of the coach, and ran up to 10 miles a day to prepare. Carman served at the team captain for two years.

After high school, Carman worked at Bath Iron Works. But his dream was to be a firefighter. Against his doctor’s advice, Carman joined the Yarmouth Fire Department in 1990.

“I’ve always had the attitude that if you sit and feel sorry for yourself, you’re going to get sicker and sicker,” said Carman.

In 1994, Carman and his wife Amy moved to New Gloucester, where Carman joined the New Gloucester Fire Department. The couple built a house, and had a daughter, Antoinette, who is turning 9 this month.

Last year, Carman had to stop working because his health has continued to decline. He still lends a hand to the fire department, but has to stay away from the fire and smoke. To stay busy, Carman drives a school van, taking students to and from the Fiddlehead School of the Arts. He also does light maintenance at the school.

“I’ve never thought of George as sick,” said Amy Carman. “You’d never know it, to see him out and about.”

In recent months, Carman has had more trouble breathing. He breathes with the help of oxygen during all activity. In addition, Carman gives himself two different breathing treatments daily. One is an antibiotic treatment which helps keep his lungs healthy, and the other is a vibrating vest that losens chest conjestion. Carman also takes oral antibiotics and vitamins every day to fend off infections.

Right now, Carman is on an “inactive” list of those in need of a double lung transplant. Patients on this list are in need of transplants, but are not the most urgent cases.

Every few months, Carman travels to New York Columbia Presbyterian Hospital to be evaluated by an organ transplant team. In December 2007, his doctor was concerned about a decline in his lung functions. If his condition does not improve by his next visit to New York City in March, Carman believes they will put him on the “active” list, for those who are in the most urgent need of new organs.

“I’m ready to have it done. I’m tired of being sick, and not being able to breath,” said Carman.

Amy Carman is a little more cautious about the surgery. She said that although it is hard for George to be kept waiting, the risks are daunting.

In the meantime, New Lungs for George will work to keep up fundraising efforts. Successful fundraising in the past has slowed down, as the months and years pass. But Doyle said “New Lungs for George” still needs money, as the possibility of a transplant draws closer.

“His health is declining, and we still need every dollar to move ahead toward his goals,” said Doyle.

Insurance will cover the actual operation, but unpaid expenses like a plane flight to New York City, lodging, and insurance co-pays will add up. Carman and his wife will have to live in New York City for about two months following surgery, and Carman will have to fly down regularly for the rest of his life for check-ups.

David Oliver, treasurer of “New Lungs for George,” and Carman’s father-in-law, said they have plans to bring fundraising to a national level in 2008. Some ideas include writing a letter to the “Today Show,” and asking every fire department in the United States to donate $5.

“It’s hard to keep asking the same people for money, although a lot keep on giving,” said Oliver, who believes the transplant may happen much sooner than the family expected.

Carman said that, as a fireman, he shares a special bond, not only with fire fighters in the Lakes Region, but nationwide. During a visit to New York City, he met a man at support group for those in need of organ transplants while in who is a fireman for the Fire Department of New York. That man, said Carman, asked for fliers to spread the word in the city.

Bruce Tupper, assistant fire chief in Raymond, said this brotherhood among fireman is part of the reason fire departments in neighboring lakes region towns have responded generously to the New Lungs for George Campaign.

Raymond Public Safety ran a bottle drive, and took other donations. But Tupper pointed out “there aren’t too many people who really don’t know George Carman.”

“There really are no words to describe him, other than to say no matter what is going on in his life, he’s there to help you out. That’s George in a nutshell,” said Tupper.

Those who wish to contribute to the New Lungs for George fund can do so by sending money to the Katahdin Federal Credit Union, care of Debbie Girsa, at 1000 Central Street, Millenocket ME, 04462.

New lungs needed to keep beating the oddsNew lungs needed to keep beating the odds