These days, Ashley Owens is focused on her wedding to her long-time love, Jesse Quinter.
But it wouldn't have been possible without a gift from the family of boxer Francisco "Paco" Rodriguez, and the Gift of Life donor program. The extraordinary story is told on ESPN's award-winning "e60" program.
In November 2009, Ashley's lungs were failing fast, ravaged by cystic fibrosis.
Ashley recalls, "It was November 20th, and they told me I wouldn't make it till Christmas."
A few days later, as Ashley's health declined further, Rodriguez was in the ring at the Blue Horizon boxing arena, taking a shot at the vacant USBA Bantamweight title against North Philadelphia native Teon Kennedy.
A few moments after the referee called the fight, giving the win to Kennedy in a TKO, Rodriguez collapsed.
"Paco" was rushed to Hahnemann University Hospital, but was later declared brain dead.
Through their shock and grief, the Rodriguez family decided to donate his organs. In the process, Sonia - Paco's wife - and his 2 brothers saved 5 lives.
Paco's heart went to a young Philadelphia woman, his liver went to a young woman in Maryland, his pancreas and one kidney saved a woman in western Pennsylvania, hiis other kidney went to Paco's uncle in Chicago, and Ashley received his lungs.
Ashley vividly remembers getting the word new lungs were waiting for hertaking her first deep breath with the new lungs, during an MRI test.
"They wanted me to take a deep breath, and I told them I couldn't do it. They said 'try,'" she says.
Finally, "I took a deep breath, and I was so amazed."
Now, Ashley's life has virtually no limits.
"I'm able to ride my bike; I'm able to run again. I haven't run since I was about 10 years old," she says.
And she couldn't believe it when she didn't have to go through the hours & hours of treatments required for cystic fibrosis.
Ashley has also finished college, begun teaching, and is getting ready for her big day.
"We're getting married this June 25th - a day I never thought i'd get to live to see," she said.
Ashley has become close to Sonia Rodriguez, and the other transplant recipients.
All of the recipients, and Paco's brother Alex will be at the wedding.
"I think he'll get more attention than me and Jesse, and it's our wedding day," chuckled Ashley.
