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Will Needs Our Help!
Our Uncle Will McDowell was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) in 2016. This disease causes the lungs to become scarred and stiff, making it difficult to breathe. There is no cure for IPF. Uncle Will’s lungs will continue to degrade until they fail completely. He requires oxygen therapy 24/7. His only hope for survival is a lung transplant.
Following surgery he will need to frequently return to the transplant center at UCSF in San Francisco. He will be required to live in the city, close to the hospital, for a minimum of six weeks. His frequency of visits back to UCSF will decrease over time, but will continue the remainder of his life.
We are raising money to pay for Uncle Will’s uninsured medical expenses associated with the transplant, including travel and temporary lodging near UCSF during the period immediately after his release from the hospital.
WE appreciate any and all donations of help.
For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.
Thank you for your support!
7/29/18 After discharge from UCSF I was required to stay within 30 miles of the facility for the next 42 days. Having progressed nicely, with few complications during that time, I was allowed to return home on July 25, 2018. I am a fortunate man. Among my many blessings is my family that served as my care givers. I had Sisters, a Brother and Sister-In-Law, Nieces, a Great Niece and a Nephew that interrupted their lives to come and stay with me, as I was required to have someone with me 24/7. They had to make sure I stayed on schedule with medications and appointments. Their most difficult challenge was no doubt putting up with me. Some days were better than others and I’m sure it was not always pleasant.
While attending to me in South San Francisco they were also busy keeping the home fires burning. Keeping up the house and yard and all the challenges that entails, as well as taking care of the dog and ensuring he knew he had not been abandoned. He is fortunate to be loved and have had them come and entertain him. It was comforting to know he was being well cared for. Especially thankful for my great-nephew and sister who stayed at the house, which allowed him to remain in an environment he was familiar with.
Being back home I am establishing my new life. Creating new routines to accommodate my new life requirements. I have many local appointments in my future as well as return visits to UCSF. There is still a long road ahead, however things are looking up. Thank you to all who contributed to making my journey successful so far. With continued dedication I will once again be able to lead a more normalized life.
6/12/18 2:06 P.M. Released back into the wild. Staying at local hotel. Feeling pretty good. Regaining strength in legs. Walking often to accomplish that goal. Out two days and back to UCSF each of those days for appointments. That will continue routinely for next six weeks. With successful results will be able to return home some time after that
Uncle Will got his new Lungs May 26th!! He was in ICU for 6 days and now has his own room where he is resting and getting stronger. He is able to walk around using only the air we all breathe!!! He will probably get released by June 9th to stay in a hotel close to the hospital, for about 6 weeks. This is the time that the bills will start to mount. Please make a donation and send him well wishes.
Thank you.
Non re-embirsed medical expenses will continue to mount. We are required to stay within 30 miles of UCSF for 6-8 weeks following release. Many trips to and from facility during that time. Caregiver required at all times.
MAJOR UPDATE
5/25/18, 1:46 P. M. Received call to get to UCSF for lung transplant. Surgury competed about 6:00 A. M. next morning. Intense several days in ICU. Now on Cardio Thurasic floor learning to live with new lungs. It is a long hard climb but will be worth it.
April 7, 2018 @ 4:55 PM received discharge papers from UCSF, having been admitted for expedited evaluation for lung transplant. With oxygen therapy adjusted and home equipment now able to accommodate high flow oxygen delivery I am at home waiting for the call.
April 5, 2018 @ 4:58 P.M. Officially listed on wait list for lung transplant. Happy Day. Still at UCSF. Exploring the possibility of being able to go home to wait for the call.
Having spent five days at Kaiser Santa Rosa Medical Center I was transferred to UCSF 3/27/18. This is my sixth day here now working out my oxygen therapy and waiting to talk to the surgeon. That should clear the way to being put on the wait list for transplant. Keep good thoughts for me.
Uncle Will is getting closer to being added to the transplant wait list. He is currently in hospital to stabilize his oxygen levels. We hope to have an answer on Tuesday or Wednesday if he has made the list. Wish him luck.!!
We are raising money to pay for Uncle Will's uninsured medical expenses associated with the transplant, including travel and temporary lodging near UCSF during the period immediately after his release from the hospital.
WE appreciate any and all donations of help.
Thank you for your support.
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You are in our prayers for a speedy recovery!!!!
Matt & Martha Cheever
Enjoy Will
Feel Better Real Soon!!!
You are looking GOOD!
Love Dennis and Leona
Dennis A Belli
Get Well Will!!!!!!!
Dennis Belli
Wishing you a speedy recovery
Mike & Judy Belli
Wishing you the best.
Marny Caldwell
Sarah J Henderson
Wishing you the best, Willie.
Bette Pratt Russell
Sarah Henderson
So happy for you Will my prays are with you that you get the transplant soon...
take care my friend...love yaB
Beverly Del Fava
Praying for a successful transplant. Marnie Caldwell
Sarah Henderson
With love from Barbara and Henry Bisordi
Sarah Henderson
Stay strong Uncle Willie ❣️
Susan Moore
Love you Guillermo.... my life long friend.
Be well... Be happy.... Be you!!!
Peggy (Parsley) Selby
Hang in there, brother! I❤️U. May God bless this journey you are on, in Jesus’s name, Amen.
“Jane”
Hi Will. My granddaughter's former husband had a double lung transplant and apparently is doing well. that is my hope for you! I hope to help financially in some way (after taxes)
Edna Honsa
We Love you, Uncle Will.
Jackie Sellards
Make checks payable to:
Help Hope Live
Note in memo:
In honor of Will McDowell
Mail to:
Help Hope Live
2 Radnor Corporate Center
Suite 100
100 Matsonford Road
Radnor, PA 19087
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