Emily Progin, PR and Communications Coordinator
eprogin@helphopelive.org / 800.642.8399
Release: Immediate
BRING FLYER TO OKEMOS PANERA ON DEC 15 TO HELP FIGHT CYSTIC FIBROSIS
Young Husband Michael Harmon Is Waiting for New Lungs
OKEMOS, Mich.—This Sunday, December 15 from 4 to 8 p.m., bring a special flyer to Okemos Panera (2080 W Grand River Avenue) and your purchases will help to support a worthy local cause: 35-year-old Michael Harmon of Owosso’s fight against cystic fibrosis, and his dream of securing a lifesaving double lung transplant in the near future.
Michael was diagnosed with the chronic genetic lung disease at just six months old. While most people with cystic fibrosis have reduced breathing capabilities, Michael’s lungs are in dire condition—as his wife of three years, Laura Harmon, explains: “Michael breathes at 14% to 17% on a good day…his lungs are always working overtime just to help him breathe.”
The average life expectancy for a patient with cystic fibrosis is less than 40 years—but there is hope in the form of a double lung transplant, which will forever change Michael’s life. That is, if he can afford it. With out-of-pocket medical costs mounting and average lung transplant billed charges exceeding $1.1 million, Michael cannot cover the cost of a transplant on his own. He is fundraising with the national medical nonprofit Help Hope Live at https://helphopelive.org/campaign/15657/
Bring this flyer to Okemos Panera on Sunday, December 15 between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.: https://s3.amazonaws.com/helphopelive/media/event_flyers/Panera_Donation_Flyer.pdf You can use the promo code PRFUND to order online in advance or for delivery. A portion of every single purchase that you make will be donated to Help Hope Live in honor of Michael Harmon. All donations will offset medical expenses via Help Hope Live’s Great Lakes Transplant Fund. Can’t make it? Make a donation in honor of Michael at any time at https://helphopelive.org/campaign/15657/ or by calling 800.642.8399. Your donation is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Help Hope Live is a national nonprofit that specializes in engaging communities in fundraising campaigns for people who need a transplant or are affected by a catastrophic injury or illness. Since 1983, campaigns organized by Help Hope Live have raised over $135 million to pay patient expenses.
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Written by Emily Progin
