An Easthampton teenager is awaiting a life saving surgery, and though she probably won't be able to graduate with the class of 2009, her classmates are helping her breathe easier.

16 year old Cassie Tessier takes handfuls of medicine everyday, in addition to inhaled medication and a central line pump that delivers vital medicine directly to her heart and lungs.

"It's basically what's keeping me alive in a way because it keeps my pressures down," says Cassie.

She was diagnosed with Pulmonary Hypertension when she was about 9 years old.

"When I would ride my bike around town I would get really short of breath," says Cassie.

Pulmonary Hypertension is a rare blood vessel disorder affecting the artery that connects your heart and lungs. Doctors believe the disease was passed to Cassie from her father, who lost his battle in 1996. For years the medication was keeping Cassie's case under control, but just this September her symptoms got worse, and doctors decided it was time to put Cassie on the list for new lungs.

"Scared would be the best words to say," says Cassie's mom Brenda Winters.

But Cassie says she's, "Not really scared, I'm just more anxious."

Anxious because finding a matching donor can take up to 3 years, and there is little time react once the new lungs are ready.

"It's hard to make plans for tomorrow when you don't know if the call is gonna come today," says Brenda.

So until the call comes in, Cassie and her mom are doing everything they can to keep a normal routine. And they're keeping the faith that some day this routine won't be necessary.

"Her goal is to drive, to be out and do things like sleepovers," says Brenda. "Just to be able to look forward to the future."

The Easthampton High School class of 2009 is holding a fundraiser for Cassie and her family at the school on Friday April 11th. A pasta supper will be held from 5 to 6:30pm. Tickets are on sale at the high school. For more information you can contact Mary Rogers at 413-529-1588 x159 or rogersm@easthampton.k12.ma.us.