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Sherene Wright (right), who is awaiting a heart transplant, with her two daughters.

Sherene Wright was diagnosed with a degenerative heart disease at the age of seven and is now facing the fight of her life.

Wright suffers from dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition in which the heart becomes weakened and enlarged, and can’t pump blood efficiently.

In October, Wright was admitted to St. Boniface Hospital, where doctors informed her she would need a heart transplant. She’s been in the cardiac care unit there ever since.

"It gets pretty boring here in the hospital, but I was here a couple of years ago for a while so I know a lot of the doctors and nurses," said Wright, a 32-year old single mom.

The most difficult part of her stay at the hospital has been how its limited the amount of time she gets to spend with her two daughters and other members of her family, Wright added.

"I miss my family and would rather be home. It’s tough being away from them," said Wright, a Transcona resident.

"My younger one doesn’t know what’s going on, but my older one does and she wants me to be home."

Bobbie Green, who has been a close friends of Wright’s for the past 20 years, is working with family and friends to raise funds to help Wright during her upcoming heart transplant.

They will host a I Heart Sherene Bud, Spud, and Steak event on Sat., Feb. 11 at The Oak in Transcona at 826 Regent Ave. W.

"There’s a lot of people who are supporting her through this. She has a great network," said Green, who also lives in Transcona.

"We want to help ease the burden of the financial strain she’s under right now."

Wright works as an X-ray technologist at a Winnipeg hospital.

Green said her friend is far more comfortable with helping others who are ill than she is with her current circumstances.

"She works in a hospital, so she’s chosen a career where she’s looking after people," she said.

"To be in a situation where she’s being looked after, it’s really uncomfortable for her. She doesn’t like attention."

Event organizers are hoping to raise $7,000 to help Wright and her family with travel and accommodation expenses during the transplant.

Once a heart is available, Wright will travel with her mom to Edmonton for the procedure.

Wright said she appreciates everything her family and friends are doing to support her. She hopes their efforts will help people realize there is a desperate need for donors.

"I want people to know how important it is to donate and sign their donor cards," she said. "Share your wishes with your family and let them know your intentions."

Anyone interested in purchasing a ticket or donating a prize can contact Green at 781-2132, or bobbiegreen@hotmail.com.

Donations can also be made to the I Heart Sherene trust account at any Assiniboine Credit Union.

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adrian.alleyne@canstarnews.com