A week ago she was called in to St Vincent's Hospital for a lung transplant after doctors found a matching donor.

Today, for the very first time, she is experiencing all the things most of us take for granted deep breaths, no sinus and enough oxygen in her brain to stop the constant headaches.

My friend has cystic fibrosis and is one of the 80 people living in Macarthur who fight the condition every day.

She's just one of the reasons so many people donated their time, money and resources to this year's 65km swim on Saturday.

It was a busy and emotional week for me, organising the launch and swim and visiting my friend in hospital.

The fact that everything ran so smoothly and so much money was raised is a testament to this community and a group of very special friends who helped.

I was amazed, but not surprised, by the support I was offered by local businesses and individuals who jumped on board.

From my hard-working friends behind the scenes to all our swimmers and supporters, everyone did their bit to make sure it was successful. Our launch at Camden Valley Inn raised $10,000 that we wouldn't have had without local businessmen Martin Sinclair and David Waudby.

Mr Waudby has already called me with ideas to make next year's swim and launch even bigger.

In total more than $45,000 was raised, with more coming in daily. It just shows when you live in a community like ours, no idea is too big, no goal is too high and no dream is too far-fetched.

To everyone who helped, whether you swam, baked, sold, counted, sponsored, donated, promoted or simply turned up in support thank you so much.

This community continues to amaze me.