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!

Although Tubby and his wife went to school together, it wasn’t until 2010 that they reconnected and began dating. They married recently on December 23, 2016! Just a few days after that wonderful day, his rapid decline began. Multiple bouts of pneumonia, bilateral pulmonary embolism and a double pneumothorax which required a chest tube, all led to several lengthy hospital stays. It was February 2017 when he started the lengthy testing process to be accepted in the Lung Transplant Program at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. Tubby has the love and support of his two sons and stepdaughter, his wife and sister who are all committed to seeing Tubby through this journey to transplant.

Though a lung transplant is lifesaving, it is also financially draining even with insurance. Tubby is facing very high expenses that include relocation to Boston for a period of months during his post-transplant recovery; enormously expensive post-transplant medications he will need to take for the rest of his life; co-pays for daily doctor visits, lab fees, parking and more.

To help with the financial burden of Ralph (Tubby) Holmes’ uninsured expenses, a fundraising campaign in his 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 allowed by law, are held by Help Hope Live in the Northeast Lung Transplant Fund, and are considered a contribution.

For credit card contributions, please click the yellow Donate Now button.

Tubby is looking forward to spending quality time with his bride, family and friends, riding his John Deere tractor and driving his big diesel truck. Your help can make the difference. Please know your prayers, support and generosity are greatly appreciated. Keep an eye on Tubby’s campaign page at www.helphopelive.org because we will be planning some fundraising events soon and posting updates regularly.

Gratefully,

Kerry Roulo- Tubby’s sister-in-law
(603-969-7599)