The Condition’s Impact:
When the lung’s small airways and alveoli become inflamed, the body initiates a healing process, leading to the formation of granulation tissue within these spaces. Over time, this tissue organizing process obstructs the airways and compromises the lung’s ability to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide efficiently. As a result, individuals with BOOP may experience progressive shortness of breath, dry cough, and fatigue. In some cases, this condition can resemble pneumonia, leading to delayed or misdiagnosed cases.
Mom’s Journey:
On my first birthday, she underwent a simple surgery for arthritis. After the surgery was done, she began having problems breathing, and it got to a point where my dad had to take her to the hospital. For a while they couldn’t find the problem even though my parents were at the hospital more and more, and I began staying with my grandparents for a while. After a series of tests and consultations, the doctors finally diagnosed her with BOOP, leaving us in a state of shock and uncertainty. Despite the challenges she faced daily, mom refused to let this diagnosis define her. Instead, she adopted a positive outlook and embraced each day with courage and determination.
She continued working for 10 years until she was forced to retire in 2003, the year my first niece was born. She didn’t want to look into a transplant then, as it seemed too risky at the time with me growing up and now her newborn grandchild she hoped to see grow up. Mom was able enough back then to babysit both my nieces, as she was at home all the time. Doing so, she effectively bonded with both of them, and they even came to understand when grandma needed some extra help, or even just some rest time.
She has always feared missing the milestones the girls and I had, and she’s fought not to miss anything despite feeling like she couldn’t breathe. My older niece graduated last year, and despite feeling poorly, mom was right there to see her walk across the stage. She has lived to see me turn 30, when there was a time she didn’t think she would see me turn 5.
Seeking a Lung Transplant:
Over the years, mom’s condition has progressively deteriorated, significantly impacting her quality of life. Simple tasks became daunting challenges, limiting her ability to enjoy time with her family and friends. Her doctors recommended a lung transplant as the most viable option to improve her chances of leading a fulfilling life.
However, lung transplants are complex procedures that come with their own set of challenges, including finding a suitable donor, undergoing rigorous evaluations, and managing post-transplant care. Moreover, the cost of a lung transplant is substantial, making it financially unattainable for many families.
Mom’s Hope:
Mom has gotten Covid-19 twice, which has grossly affected her way of living. Before the pandemic, she was getting back into being active and was living with her illness fairly well. After getting Covid, despite our efforts, it has very much deteriorated her health. With her resilience unwavering, mom has decided to embark on a journey of hope and healing by seeking donations for her lung transplant. Through online fundraisers and the support of her loved ones, mom is determined to overcome the financial hurdles and embrace the opportunity for a breath of fresh air.
If you wish to contribute to mom’s lung transplant fund or spread the word about BOOP, please visit here. Even if you can’t contribute, we ask if you can share this blog, or even the link to others that may be able to help. Mom has lived with this for 30 years now, and it’s past time for her to enjoy life again.
We are raising money to pay for uninsured medical expenses associated with transplantation.
We have chosen to fundraise with Help Hope Live in honor of of Sharon Triplet 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 GIVE button. And please share mom’s page on your social media platforms.
For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.
Thank you for your support!
