Sarah Murnaghan Gets Lung Transplant

Ten-year-old Sarah Murnaghan is getting a lung transplant today.

A spokesman for her family confirmed to WCAU TV that Murnaghan, who has cystic fibrosis, is undergoing the operation today at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.  Janet Murnaghan, hler mother, says the family is "overwhelmed with emotion."

The family says the lungs are from an adult but would not offer additional details.

On the Save Sarah Murnaghan Facebook page Janet posted, "Please pray for Sarah and her surgical team and our whole family! We are overwhelmed with emotions!!!! " She also offered prayers for the lung donor's family who "has experienced a tremendous loss."

Sarah became eligible for the lung after a federal judge agreed to suspend a rule that stopped her from getting an adult lung.

In a statement, Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA) wrote, "The judge gave Sarah a chance to receive a new lung," Toomey's statement read." Now the surgical team at CHOP is giving her a chance at life."

The U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services said she didn’t want to intervene in transplant decisions when other children are just as sick. U.S. District Judge Michael Baylson said he granted the temporary request because of the severity of  Murnaghan’s condition.

Thirty-one children under age 11 are on the waiting list for a lung transplant according to the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network tells WCAU TV.

This is a breaking story. Check back for updated information.