Laura Rothenberg was born February 3, 1981 and she grew up in New York City. Shortly after birth she was diagnosed with
cystic fibrosis, a fatal disease with varying life expectancy. Goddaughter of
Debra Winger, Rothenberg attended
The Chapin School in Manhattan and then
Brown University where she studied English until the deterioration of her cystic fibrosis forced her to withdraw and she decided to pursue a lung transplant, though it posed its own health risks. in July 2001. She also began recording audio of her experience when a radio producer, Joe Richman, lent her a tape recorder. Her memoir was published posthumously by
Hyperion on May 12, 2003.
Breathing for a Living describes her fight with
cystic fibrosis and her decision to pursue a double
lung transplant. In
The Washington Post,
Roland Merullo wrote, "Those in the grasp of a fatal illness will recognize themselves here – the loneliness, the pain and hope – as will family members and friends. The rest of us, so often oblivious to our good luck, might be moved to set the book down between chapters and put our complaints in perspective." ==List of works==