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Rachel Bell is a 41-year-old woman who is very ill. Several months ago, Rachel was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). IPF is a disease in which tissue deep in the lungs becomes thick and stiff, or scarred over time. The formation of scar tissue is called fibrosis. As the tissue thickens, the lungs cannot properly move oxygen into the blood stream, thus the blood become starved for oxygen. There is no cure for IPF. A double lung transplant is Rachel’s only hope.
While a lung transplant is not a cure, it will buy Rachel more time to spend with her three children and husband. Her children are her life. Rachel’s daughter Lela is 17, her son Frankie is 14, and her son Brandon is 25. Rachel looks forward to being part of their lives for many more years. Rachel would like to watch her children get married and have children of their own. Without a transplant, this will not be possible as those diagnosed with IPF are only given 2–5 years to live.
Transplants are life-saving, but financially draining. Even with insurance, Rachel is facing very high expenses including relocation for 12 months to be closer to Duke Hospital, post-transplant medications of up to $4,000/month, co-pays, lab fees, and more.
To help with the financial burden of Rachel’s uninsured expenses, a fundraising campaign in her honor has been established with Help Hope Live, a trusted nonprofit organization that has been providing community-based fundraising guidance to patients and their families for more than 30 years. All donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law, are held by Help Hope Live in the South-Atlantic Lung Transplant Fund, and are administered for transplant-related expenses only. Please consider a contribution.
For credit card contributions, please visit www.helphopelive.org and search for Rachel Bell, or call 800.642.8399.
Thank you for your prayers, support, and generosity. Keep an eye on Rachel’s campaign page at www.helphopelive.org because we will be planning some fundraising events soon and posting updates regularly.
Gratefully,
Stephen Michael Bell, Rachel’s husband
803.446.9628 (Michael)
803.446.2589 (Rachel)
I went to my pulmonologist today. Everything went well. I was told to continue using oxygen. I had a liver function test. I want know the results for a few days. Fingers crossed it is good. Next step is a sleep study. Other than that he said to keep my walking when ever possible. Take meds and eat well.
Thanks to everyone who has donated or said a prayer. I hope you will continue to help me reach my goal.
Thanks
Rachel Bell
Thank you to all that have donated. We are half way to our goal. My family appreciates your kindness and your thoughts and prayers.
Wow! I want to thank everyone who has taken the time and expense to donate to me. You all are a blessing to me and my family.
Tonight is a blessing. I get the opportunity to watch my daughter play the flute in the high school band. She is a junior. She will be a Senior in less than a week. Man they grow up so fast. I also want to show appreciation for all the donations from people i don't know. Because of your kindness i hope to have many more activities with my children and hopefully one day grandchildren. Thank you all and God bless you and your families.
I would like to thank Donnie Smith for his generous donation. You are a blessing to me and my family.
I would like to thank Ron Johnson of Johnson insurance for your wonderful donation. Its nice to know people care.
I would like to thank the Bessinger family of Maurices bbq for their generosity. A special thank you to Linda Totten who is not only a wonderful boss but a great friend. I would like to thank Patricia Clough and Carolyn Shvetz for all your help.
I just saw the amount donated and i am so blessed. I don't know who is donating but would like to thank each person. I honestly didn't know how i was going to afford a transplant but because of your generosity i now have hope. Thank you so very much.
Spent Easter with my family. I had a wonderful time. I visited my grandmother as well as my old pastor. I had dinner with my mom, dad, brothers, and my niece. I also spent time withy sister n law. We discussed my illness. She got choked up. I reassured her i was okay. It has really made me feel blessed with all the sweet words every one has been sharing with me. I thank God i got to spend the holiday with my family.
Lela went with me to rehab today. It was fun having my daughter coach and encourage me.
Thanks for all the donations and prayers.
Back at rehab today. Hope it goes well. I'm trying to keep a positive attitude. This is not easy as i am very independent. Have a great day and thanks to all that are praying and or donated ro my cause.
Please listen to prize fighter by Trisha Yearwood. This song speaks to my heart.
Thank you to everyone that has donated. I am so surprised by the donations. You guys are awesome.
This is Thursday and its time for rehab once again. Not feeling great today. Hope I make it throughm
Thank you to everyone who has donated.
Today was the 2nd day of pulmonary rehab. It when well. I walked 20 minutes on the tread mill. Then 8 minutes on recumbent bike. Next to the new step where you use both your arms and legs. The last exercise was a bike for the arms. Hope tomorrow goes well.
Today is the first day of pulmonary rehab. This is suppose to make me strong enough for the transplant. Wish me luck. 3_14_17.
❤️
Heather VanBuren
Hey, Rachel. I live in Aiken and would love be to talk with you. I also have ipf. I am 68 and will not be having a lung transplant but want to do all I can to see you go through this successfully. Please call me(8032212704)f you would like to talk or have ideas for a fundraiser in your honor that I could help promote.
Laurie Swift
Dear Rachel,
I too have sent a donation in honor of Laurie Swift. I hope one day you two can meet. She is a true blessing to all who know her and oh how she loves Jesus! I am praying for you Rachel. May you stand in awe of the amazing ways Jesus shows you His love.
Elizabeth & Doug Lightbody
Dear Rachel, I am donating in honor of Laurie Swift, whose pure joy for God, and for living, is an inspiration! You and your family are in my prayers. Remember that The Great Physician has the best possible plan for you, and He is the God of miracles! Love in Christ,
Thalia Stoddard
Dear Rachel,
I m making my donation in honor of a beautiful soul, Lauri Swift. With my donation, I also will be praying for you and your family to receive strength for our Wonderful Creator to keep you strong as you walk this path! Much love,
Carla Autry Iheanachor
We have donated in honor of our sister-in-Christ, Laurie Swift, who while she suffers from this disease has chosen to put another's interests before her own. She is a living example of Christ's humility. Prayers for you and your family.
Marcia and Todd Gaul
Hello! I donated in honor of Laurie Swift who shared your story with her Facebook friends. I want you to know I am praying for you, your husband and your children. Hold fast to the knowledge that you are the daughter of a loving and merciful God who is in control. I pray you feel his comfort over the coming days, weeks and months. From one SC mother to another, I love you and pray for your healing and the peace which passes all understanding. ❤️
Elizabeth Swift
Rachael, I am donating in Laurie Swift's honor. I was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis on January 11. We had a few weeks of not knowing what kind I had. It is all incurable but appears my has gotten better and I am hopeful that there will not be much progression by wearing oxygen that keeps my lungs inflated to prevent my type from spreading but it could change. My prayers are with you and I would like to stay in contact with you. May God be with you and you get that transplant soon.
Lisa Neal
Rachel, I am donating in honor of Laurie Smith of Aiken who has requested on her Facebook page that those of us that love her give to you in order for you to fight...God bless you in this very tough road you have chosen to travel. Laurie Swift is a beautiful child of God!
Trish Dukes
Rachel, I am donating in honor of LAURIE SWIFT. I pray all goes well.
Melody Prince
Rachel, we stopped by piggie park to eat a sandwich, and saw your story. It is very heartfelt. I too am battling IPF. I am 68 and have chosen not to do a transplant. I posted your info on my Facebook page, donated myself and hope to generate funds for you. I will watch the progress on your page and want to participate in fundraising for you. I live in Aiken, SC just down I-20 west.
Laurie Swift
Make checks payable to:
Help Hope Live
Note in memo:
In honor of Rachel Bell
Mail to:
Help Hope Live
2 Radnor Corporate Center
Suite 100
100 Matsonford Road
Radnor, PA 19087
Donor preference is important to us. Please specify in writing if you wish for your name or donation amount to be kept private.
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