I was diagnosed with a rapidly progressive type of Pulmonary Fibrosis (scarring of the lungs). The outlook for long-term survival was very poor with a median survival rate of 3-4 years. While the cause is unknown, it is likely that any of the sometimes dangerous jobs I had may have eventually caused my diagnosis. The pulmonary doctors at Duke University Medical Center had told me that my only chance for survival was a life-saving lung transplant.
I know it is hard to believe but my miracle has happened and I received my gift-of-life — my new lung on July 18, 2012. I can’t even begin to explain the feeling of taking that first breath without oxygen or assistance of any kind. I now understand why so many of my colleagues have said that it is truly like being reborn. Thanks to the excellent pre and post-transplant teams at Duke University Medical Center, I have graduated from the physical therapy program. However, I know that my journey doesn’t end here. I have a long road ahead of continual physical therapy and precautions to secure the safety of my new lung and preserve my other lung.
My family and I have not forgotten the family that lost their loved one which enabled two others to receive this gift. We hope they have received peace and are forever blessed with the knowledge that their loss has given much hope to others.
Even with this most beautiful of miracles and insurance, I will still have many uninsured transplant-related expenses. My wife continues to work and care for me, but we have exhausted our financial resources and must depend on the generosity of others for assistance.
I have dedicated my life donating my time and talents to others, especially youth and various community organizations. It is difficult to ask again for help, but paying for this miracle will allow me to soon hold my grandchildren. Please help me with a donation so I may continue to watch my grandchildren grow up.
To help offset my uninsured costs, a fundraising campaign in my honor has been established with HelpHOPELive (formerly NTAF), a nonprofit organization that has been assisting the transplant community for nearly 30 years. All contributions are tax-deductible, are held by HelpHOPELive in the South-Atlantic Lung Transplant Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for transplant-related expenses only. Please consider making a contribution.With humbled gratitude,
Jesse Garza
[email protected]
