LEWISTON — Claudette Fournier wants nothing more than to take a deep breath — something that seems so natural. Sadly, that’s not the case for Fournier, who awaits a lifesaving double-lung transplant.

In 2005, Fournier, 62, began feeling increasingly short of breath when walking up the stairs at work. After seeing her doctor, she was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the same disease that took the lives of her mother, father and sister-in-law.

A double-lung transplant costs approximately $800,000. And that’s only the beginning. Even with health insurance, Fournier faces significant medical expenses. For the rest of her life, she will need follow-up care and daily anti-rejection medications. Post-transplant medications are very expensive, and they are as critical to her survival as the transplant itself.

To overcome these financial challenges, Fournier turned to the National Foundation for Transplants for assistance. NFT is a nonprofit organization that helps transplant patients raise funds to pay for medical expenses.

“I can’t even imagine struggling for every breath, but that’s the reality for Claudette and other COPD patients,” said Claire Prince, NFT fundraising consultant. “At NFT, we’re here to help Claudette and her family raise funds so they can focus on her health, not the soaring medical expenses.”

Volunteers are planning a pasta supper on Saturday from 4 to 6 p.m. at First Assembly of God Church, 70 Hogan Road.

Admission is $8 for adults and children older than 13, and $5 for children ages 5 to 12. Children 4 and younger eat free. Door prizes for local gift certificates will also be available.

For information, contact Gloria Bartley at yeltrab2@securespeed.net or 333-8324.

To make a donation, visit www.transplants.org and select Find an NFT Patient. If you prefer to mail a contribution, please send a gift to the NFT Maine Transplant Fund, 5350 Poplar Ave., Suite 430, Memphis, TN 38119. Be sure to write “in honor of Claudette Fournier” in the subject line.