Friends hope to help Heritage alumni battle illness

Heritage alumni Anya Knecht makes food for her friends, family and coworkers.

She sends cards and handmade gifts to others.

She offers her time to help anyone who needs it.

And now her friends and family are going to help her.

Knecht, 31, was diagnosed as an infant with Cystic Fibrosis.

Cystic Fibrosis is a progressive disease that causes persistent lung infections and limits the ability to breathe over time.

In people with Cystic Fibrosis, a defective gene causes a thick, sticky buildup of mucus in the lungs, pancreas, and other organs.

Treatments for Cystic Fibrosis also affect the body as they cause antibiotic immunity and damage in the liver, intestines, heart, and other organs.

Megan Desmond, Knecht’s best friend, has known her since 2002. Knecht’s family had just moved to the Heritage school district and she was attending a volleyball open gym.

“During our first conversation she told me how she was excited, yet nervous to try playing volleyball again because she was still recovering from breaking her hip, which happened during track season a few months before,” Desmond said. “I couldn’t believe she had just broken her hip and was about to go diving on a gym floor.”

The two girls formed a strong friendship that has carried over to today.
Desmond said it has been difficult to watch her best friend go through some scary situations, when her health takes a turn for the worst.

“There have been lots of challenging parts about watching her go through life with this disease,” Desmond said. “One of the most challenging is when I know Anya’s heart wants to do something, but her body or treatment regime won’t allow her.”

Desmond said Knecht is high energy but over the last few years she has had to decline invitations due to her health.

“None of it seems fair for her to have to deal with,” Desmond said.

A year ago, Desmond learned that there is a portable vest for Cystic Fibrosis patients. The vest helps thin the mucus in the person’s lungs and moves it up and out of the lungs, which increases airflow.

“I knew it would help her continue to be able to do things she likes and needs to do while getting her treatments done,” Desmond said.

Knecht currently has a non-portable vest that has to be plugged into an outlet. She uses the vest multiple times a day.

The portable vests are very expensive, even with good insurance, Desmond said.

“She is negotiating with her insurance company and it’s looking like it will cost her between $3,000 and $8,000 out of pocket,” Desmond said.

Desmond said that Knecht lives as normally as she can, works more than full time and never asks for help.

But Desmond feels it’s time Knecht gets some help.

On Feb. 18 Desmond will be holding a Facebook Auction at Auction For Anya.

“After I had a chance to talk to some of her close family members and get their approval, we decided to give it a shot,” Desmond said.

The auction includes everything from a pizza party for 10 to quilts to gift certificates to children’s toys to furniture.

“People from near and far have reached out about the auction,” Desmond said. “Many of Anya’s friends, classmates, and coworkers have felt like they’ve wanted to help her in some way but didn’t really know how. Here’s a way, and they are excited to be involved. Many people who don’t know her directly but are from around this area, have heard of her wonderful reputation and are willing to help as well.”

Desmond said despite her illness, Knecht always has time for her friends and family.

Desmond named her daunter Claire Anya to honor her friend. Claire and Desmond’s son Jake love going to “Aunt Anya’s house” to see her chickens, swing on her tree swing, play with her dog and eat her delicious home cooked meals.

“She is as close to them as a true aunt would be,” Desmond said.

Desmond said Knecht is the type of person who always sees the best in others and watching how she stays positive while dealing with her illness is inspiring.

Desmond said her friend has good and bad days but her good days are still difficult.

Many days she has fevers, coughs up blood, has side effects from antibiotics and other difficulties due to her illness.

“She makes the most of her precious time because she knows that unless a cure is found, she won’t have the luxury of living to an old age,” Desmond said. “She has inspired me to be a better person just by watching how gracefully she handles the challenges in her life.”

The fundraiser is being done without Knecht’s knowledge and Desmond and her friends and family will surprise her with the results after the auction.

People can visit www.auctionforanya.com or visit “Auction for Anya” on Facebook for more information.

In order to participate in the auction, one must have a Facebook account.
Those who do not have Facebook but want to help can send a check to “Auction for Anya” 410 County Road 2200 E Broadlands, IL 61816, or donate with a credit card at www.auctionforanya.com.