Melissa King of Niagara was diagnosed with scarring of the lungs, and was only given two and a half to five years to live.
That was six years ago.
"I, myself, have pulmonary fibrosis. I passed my expiration date which was good, and I credit this program a whole lot," said King.
That program is Kenmore Mercy Hospital's Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program on Two Mile Creek in Tonawanda.
While Kenmore Mercy will continue to operate most of the program, it's only discontinuing the maintenance phase mid-January and focusing on services not offered elsewhere in the community.
"It is a lifeline for people with pulmonary disease. I felt just like someone had punched me in the gut," said King.
King says the program helps her and others build strength, stamina, and social support.
"They all understand what's it’s like not to be able to breath at times. To have that nagging cough," said King.
"I love this program. It's been great for me," said Ronald Sloan, of Tonawanda.
Sloan, who was diagnosed with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, three years ago, also spends three days a week in the program that helps him feel better.
"This cold air right now is really killing me. But I'm going to do whatever I have to do, I don't know. I take one thing at a time," said Sloan.
Leaders with Catholic Health says Kenmore Mercy has made arrangements for patients to continue maintenance classes at the Medically Oriented Gym in Kenmore, adding the gym offers comparable services for the same out-of-pocket costs participants currently pay for the hospital's maintenance program.
King says the gym does not supply oxygen, which she needs around the clock.
She's also waiting for a lung transplant and must be enrolled in a rehab program.
"This has become a family. I see these people more than I see my family and losing them is heartbreaking. I don't know how I'm going to keep going on," said King.
Catholic Health is set to meet with patients on December 11 to discuss the alternatives.
Patients are planning to start a petition.