We had 4 children. We unexpectedly we lost our oldest Brandy to cancer when she was just 24. We raised her 2 boys who were 5 and 7 at the time. We have 13 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild. They range between 5 months and 23 years old.
I was in the United States ARMY then worked as a painter for my father’s painting company. When he retired, I took a job with a company in Arizona and worked for them 28 yrs. I was diagnosed with stage 2 COPD in 2011 and by 2012 was put on disability. I went from an energetic man who loved playing with all of my grandkids to a man not able to work any longer.
My wife, and I also enjoyed bowling, camping, fishing, having bbqs, playing yard games. I was living my life to the fullest. I have a very close-knit family, but I am no longer able to enjoy life with them.
Over these past years my health has deteriorated so very much. I attended pulmonary rehabilitation, I have been in and out of the hospital at least 10 times. Then I was diagnosed with stage 4 (end stage) COPD. The last stages. As time went on, I am now on 25 different medications, I need oxygen 24 hours a day as my lung function is only 35%. I have a BiPAP machine that I have to wear every night so I will not stop breathing. I have an evaluation set up in Omaha NE so I can be put on the lung transplant list.
I have some medical insurance, but many transplant expenses are surprisingly not covered. To get this transplant we need to relocate from Iowa to Omaha, NE for a minimum of 3 months. Expenses will be lodging, transportation, food, and other necessary things. I will have added expenses as well after a lung transplant. Anti-rejection medications alone are very costly. I was told to anticipate upwards of $5,000 a month just for that medication alone. I will be on that medication for the rest of my life.
Donations will be so greatly appreciated. Myself, and my entire family would be ever so grateful. God Bless!
Thanks so much!
Randy Ruggles
Family and friends of Randy Ruggles are raising money to pay for uninsured medical expenses associated with transplantation.
Randy has chosen to fundraise with Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for donors. Donors can be sure that funds donated will be used only to pay or reimburse medically-related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Donate Now button.
For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.
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