I’d like to give you a glimpse into the Ruse family’s life over the past few months. In October of 2016, Bill Ruse was feeling a bit under the weather. Now in true Ruse fashion, he just took some over the counter meds and proclaimed he was “fine”. They’re all quite stubborn, even those who’ve married into the family! So he, being the strong and healthy man he’s always been, went on with life. A few weeks later, still not feeling 100% he finally went to the doctor. They diagnosed him with pneumonia, prescribed some antibiotics and sent him on his way. Again, in December this happened. Only this time he was prescribed oxygen, and set up with a specialist appointment in January. It was then, that Bill was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). This is a lung disorder that has no known cause and affects nearly 100,000 people in the United States alone. It causes extreme scarring of the lungs and prohibits them from supplying your body with the oxygen it needs.
After being diagnosed with IPF, Bill’s lungs rapidly deteriorated. By Valentine’s Day he was hospitalized at UPMC and a few weeks later placed on the Lung Transplant List. Thanks to your prayers, positivity and the undeniable selflessness of an organ donor, on March 1, 2017 Bill underwent a double lung transplant. He is currently in the CTICU and has been amazing in his recovery. He is an exceptionally strong, and as I said before stubborn, man who has 9 wonderful grandchildren, 3 sweet great grandchildren and a very loving and supportive family to live for. As a man, he’s always been willing to help, kind and outgoing. He’s never met a stranger, he has always made a friend wherever he goes. Whether it be in the line at the store, or on the many vacations with his wife, Wilma, and his family. It’s because of this, I believe that many of you have prayed and only wished the best for him.
At this time they are in preparation mode for when Bill gets to come home. His medications are very costly and he will need them for the rest of his life. They will be holding fundraisers over the next months, and years, to help with these costs. Anything that you can donate is appreciated. Whether it be a dollar, your time, an item for our fundraisers or just a prayer, the Ruse family, and Bill, will be forever grateful.