Alpha-1, also called ‘genetic emphysema’, is one of the most under diagnosed diseases in the country. After almost 1 year of doctors, antibiotics, and misdiagnosis, a simple blood test found why I was having difficulty breathing. By the time I was diagnosed I had lost almost 50% of my lung capacity. Once lung capacity is gone it is gone forever!

When I was diagnosed I was a divorced father of 2 teens and worked as a Systems Analyst for a large education company. I was told I had less than 5 years to live but there was a drug, consisting of human plasma, available to slow down the progression of the disease. For the last 10 years I have taken the IV drug every week at a cost of over $150,000 per year.

At the time of my diagnosis I was preparing to compete in my first sprint triathlon. I had always been very active and I had never smoked a cigarette!! Over the years my lung capacity has declined to around 24% capacity! That is why it is imperative that I proceed with a double lung transplant. The estimated cost of a double lung transplant is just under $1 million.

I’ve been working hard to try and stay as active and healthy as possible so that I will be able to handle the surgery and recovery!

Family and friends of Ed Kriesel are raising money to pay for uninsured medical expenses associated with transplantation.

Ed has chosen to fundraise with Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility to the full extent allowed by law 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 Give button.

For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.

Thank you for your support!