Tubby Needs our Help!
Ralph (Tubby) Holmes III is a 53-year-old man whose lungs are failing. A double lung transplant is his only chance of survival.
Tubby’s lung problems began in 2009 when he was diagnosed with Emphysematous Bullae, a disease where an air pocket grows and takes up space in the chest cavity disrupting normal lung function due to the crowding and pressure. In 2010, after 21 years working for the town of Exeter (10 of those years as an Equipment Operator for the Water Department and 11 as a Highway Foreman for the Highway Department) his failing health forced him to stop working and to go on disability. He had to give up his own business – J+J Lawncare. Although he has always been an avid sports fan, the progression of his disease and resulting lack of oxygen keep him from playing men’s softball or riding motorcycles and snowmobiles. Anyone who knows Tubby would describe him as loyal to his family and friends, a guy who can make anyone laugh, and the first to lend a helping hand. Now Tubby needs our help!
Updates (6)
July 6, 2017
Drum roll: 3 months: Ralph Holmes: simply amazing to watch Tubby transform from struggling for each breath to breathing with ease! I'm not going to lie, it's been a rough road. Our family have gone above and beyond helping us. Had it not been for Tubby's donor I'm sure he wouldn't be with us today. Beyond grateful for the gift of life from his donor. The bumps in the road have kept us on our toes. Our new routine is getting easier! Slowly catching up on things that were not priorities. Robin Holmes, now professional driver! Has taken him to Boston for appointments and blood work allowing me to work. He's feeling good, trying to stay busy. He still has restrictions with lifting, pushing or pulling no more than 5 pounds. He's hoping to be able to drive soon. We are so fortunate to have the support from around the world. We are very grateful
April 28, 2017
Day 14: Ralph Holmes: it's hard to believe it's been 2 weeks today since Tubby got his gift of healthy lungs. We have had many ups and downs. We've found out we are stronger than we thought and other times when we fall apart and wonder where we'll get the strength to get back up. Staying positive every step of the way is challenging. I can't imagine not having my family and friends helping us along this journey. This morning he had his bronchoscopy and we are waiting on the results of the biopsy. The Doctor that did the bronchoscopy was one of the Doctors that saved Tubby's life at Beth Israel Hospital in January. Dr Kheir was one of the pulmonary interventists, we spent 6 weeks there and got to know him very well. He recognized Tubby right away, even called him Tubby! Dr Kheir and the other interventists at BI were a huge part of Tubby getting fast tracked into the transplant program at MGH. Today he slept most of the day due to the sedation he received during his bronch. Still with fluid overload and AFib. No walk today because of his high heart rate. Steroids are making his blood sugars high so picked up a glucometer and supplies at MGH pharmacy. Education with the pharmacist today. Tomorrow's going to be a better day.
Photo Galleries (3)
Guestbook
April 13, 2017
Valerie and Tubby,
My thoughts and prayers are with you for a quick, uneventful recovery! Sending positive energy and lots of big hugs!!
Cindy Aubry-Folding
April 12, 2017
Our Prayers are with you Valerie.
Larry & Barbara
March 27, 2017
I've often thought about you and your high energy over the years. Many prayers to you and your family as you continue this journey on your way to wellness. God Bless.
Luanne
