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At age 21, David was diagnosed with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) a condition where pre-cancerous polyps grow rampantly in the digestive system. His colon was removed and he lived a full life, having a career, marriage and even running marathons. Then in 2010, the polyps began to take over other parts of his digestive system, requiring many surgeries, including a Whipple procedure and complete gastrectomy, all performed in the Boston area. In 2017, his medical condition was beyond what could be handled by the Boston hospitals. He was referred to Cleveland Clinic. where doctors operated to remove desmoid tumors that were threatening to shut down his digestive system. Since that surgery, David gets all his nutrition via TPN intravenous feeding. He must be connected to an IV for twelve hours every day.
The doctors at Cleveland brought up the possibility of a multi-visceral transplant. Multivisceral transplantation entails transplantation of the stomach, duodenum, pancreas, small intestine and liver. Cleveland Clinic is one of the only hospitals in the country that performs this very complicated transplant. Doctors said that David is a very good candidate! This life -altering surgery would allow David to get his nutrition from food. He would not be tethered to an IV for twelve hours a day. He could lead a normal life.
For the past year, David has been on total disability. His wife Lee has had to put her job and life on hold. The cost of flights and housing in Cleveland have already been significant. Once he goes on the transplant list, he must be within two hours of Cleveland Clinic; the surgery must happen very quickly when the organs become available. The wait for organs can be a month, six months, or a year. Post surgery, David would have to remain near the clinic for at least six months.
While David has health insurance, some transplant-related expenses, such as housing, transportation, and some anti-rejection drugs are not covered. The thought of leaving their home for possibly a year or more to start down this path is daunting, but the thought of David leading an normal active life and enjoying food again would be a miracle.
David and Lee’s family and friends have chosen to fundraise through Help Hope Live. Donations help fund uninsured medical expenses associated with transplantation.
Thank you for your support!
Thanksgiving in Cleveland. It's actually "warmer" than back east in Massachusetts - mainly in the 30's. Lee and I are very thankful to all of the well wishes and donations from our many friends and family! Also thankful for the care of the Transplant Team at Cleveland Clinic and my visiting nurse, Sandy. Together, they are monitoring my health with regular blood tests and consultations.
Lee and I recently relocated to an apartment in Westlake which is @ 30 minutes from the Clinic. While our previous accommodations at the Transplant House in Cleveland offered support, we really appreciate more peace and quiet outside of the bustling city. Our friends Maggie and Al visited this weekend and we were able to visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and see the Red Sox play (and beat) the Indians. The heat has finally broken here and we're enjoying the fall weather and bracing ourselves for the likelihood of lake-effect snows on the horizon.
As we wait for a possible transplant, I'll be visiting the Clinic monthly for check-ups and blood tests.
Again, thanks to all our friends and family for your support and love. We REALLY appreciate it!
Glad to report that, effective yesterday (9/7), I was approved by my medical insurance for transplantation and have been officially listed. It is great to get over this hurdle.
Lee and I are slowly settling in to Cleveland. The Clinic has accepted me as transplant candidate and now I must be approved by Ohio Transplant Board and by my insurance. I hope to be listed by the end of next week. Thanks to all for your wonderful support!
David, lost your contact info. Hoping you are ok.
Ed Garabadian
Thinking of you and hoping you're feeling better every day!
Jean Kiernan
Dear David and Lee,
Please know that you are in my prayers for this to happen soon!
genevieve mcculloch
Hope the holidays find you both well and a transplant in future. Sending lots of positive thoughts your way. Take care and best wishes
Pam Garavano
Hang in there! Love you both.
Karen McCulloch Nunley Karen McCulloch Nunley
Thinking of you both and sending love!
Lori and Andy McClure
Lori Robinson McClure
It's been along time since we've seen each other David. I'm sorry to hear about your illness, and hope you're feeling as well as possible.
Mike
Mike Downey
Hi David and Lee,
Maggie has kept me abreast of your battle. Lots of your OR friends are wishing and hoping for success. Since the Red Sox won, we can now devote full time to rooting for you!
Best wishes from Room 22 where nobody does it quite as well as Lee did.
Dr John E
Dear David and Lee,
Al and I wish you strength and peace as you continue on your journey to your new lease on life. We are with you both always in spirit and heart. ❤️
Love,
Maggie
Maggie and Al Rezendes
Its DM by a nose! My money is on the beat up horse LeakyPipesMcCullough ;) Keep fighting David. All my best to you and your family.
Ed
Ed Garabedian
Dave and Lee - We and the kids are praying for an easy and short trip out to Cleveland! Best wishes for a quick and successful recovery - and we look forward to welcoming you back to New England! Jennifer & Don Voner
Jennifer and Don Voner
Hi Dave,
Keep the Faith!
Thinking of you and wishing you a successful procedure and quick recovery.
Let\'s plan to go out for lunch like in good old days when you come back.
Warm Regards,
Goran (Workscape)
Lee and David,
That is such great news about the insurance! Thanks for the update. Hope all is well and that Cleveland is treating you right. Sending all my very best wishes and love. You guys are amazing!
P.S. Lee, keep those texts coming!!!
Jan
Prayers and love David & Lee ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Leslie Sennett
My wishes for a speedy and successful surgery. My thoughts and prayers are with you on this journey. Good luck!
Jacqueline Ross ( Karen's friend)
Jacqueline Ross
Sending hope and support and healing energy.
Patricia Papernow
David and Lee,
I was saddened that things had come to this, but am keeping you both on my prayer list for a good outcome.
Cousin Genevieve
Good luck -- we're all counting on you!
STEVEN HILTON
David and Lee, we echo Jo-Ann Rosen\'s sentiment - may your wait be short, the operation a resounding success, and the years ahead many and blessed.
Love, thoughts, and prayers,
John & Mary
We hope and pray for a successful transplant soon. Love, Sue and Richard
Susan Browne
Thinking of you both and wishing you nothing but the best!
Kristin Pliakas
Praying for a short wait, a successful surgery and speedy recovery ❤️
Jo-Ann Rosen
Sending positive vibes and encouragement your way.
Leslie Moore
Sending positive thoughts your way!
Allison Cusher
Dear David and Lee, My prayers are with you at this difficult time. I\'m sure David will come through this whole ordeal with flying colors!!! I wish I knew someone in Cleveland so they could visit you on my behalf. If I could visit, I would. Lee, you are incredibly strong. Know I am with you in spirit.
Cyndi Zarriello
Dear David and Lee, we are thinking of you and praying for you every day. I hope that you are embracing your new home away from home and your keeping your spirits up. (I bet there is a dog shelter near by with some pups that would love to visit with you!) Sending positive thoughts your way!
Valerie Evans
Sending this with hope and love
Susan Leto
Prayers and thoughts are and love are with you!
Loretta Arsenault
God bless and good luck
George Flammer
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Hopefully this will all be behind you and you will have a new lease on life before too long.
Connie and Carroll
Connie Condict
David and Lee,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. This is such an exciting adventure. You have been thru so much and held amazingly strong thru it all. I just know in my heart that this is going to go smoothly and you will have a wonderful new "lease on life". All the best to you. I hope and pray that a donor comes thru for you soon.
With much love
Linda
Linda Harris
Good Luck!!!
Erin Gilmartin
Keeping you in my thoughts & prayers!
With Love, Paula Audette
Paula Audette
Auntie Lee & Uncle David,
Thinking of you during this difficult time. Thoughts & prayers are with you always!
Love,
Monica, Mike & Harrison Dumont
Monica Dumont
Sending positive and healing thoughts your way.
Deb Cook
Hope all goes well!
Barbara Gilmartin
Keeping you and David in my thoughts and prayers.
Val Miller
Sending thoughts and prayers your way! Stay positive and strong!
<3 Meghan
Meghan Hacas
You are in our prayers, David. God is with you.
Sally and Richard Stolz
RichRd and Sally Stolz
I wish you the best and will pray for you
Wendy Ying
My thoughts & prayers are with you both, Lee & David ❤
Pam
Thinking of you and your family
Brian Tommasini
Thinking of you, love you so much!
XO Chelsea
Chelsea Lee
Sending many prayers for you, David and Lee.
Good luck. Hope the transplant happens soon.
Gail Martell
Keeping David in my prayers.
Miriam Carter
Sending you the warmest wishes! Positive thoughts.
Michelle Fontaine
Best of luck, Liz I
Lisabeth Ioannilli
David & Lee
Thoughts and prayers and positive vibes your way!!!
Amanda Canan
Friend of Carol Lee
Amanda Canan
Dear Lee and David,
Wishing you god-speed. You both will be in our thoughts.
Norma & John Alekna
norma alekna
David and Lee,
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jack and Pam Gorgone
Jack and Pam Gorgone
David and Lee,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Marcie Alkema &Jonathan Knapp
Ella Alkema
Pam Garavano
Happy to support David and Lee in their difficult journey, and prayers come their way for a new beginning.
Jeff Bartolino
Hi Dave,
I hope you feel better soon. We miss you here at work.
Paula
Paula Kapurch
We are all pulling for you Dave. I sincerely wish you the best. I really miss you at work because I don't have anyone to talk to when I see a great film noir on TCM!
Elizabeth Welch
Hoping for the best out come possible, David!
Peter Wise
Grace, peace, healing and strength to you both!
With prayers for each of you.
Allen Fisher
Lee & David,
XOX Love & Prayers for you both!❤️
Carol & Bill
Sending all the love and hugs in the world!! We love you guys so much!!
Mary ann and Mark xoxoxoxo
Mary ann Young
Sending you both love and strength for your journey.
Donna & Jack
Donna Bates-Tarrant
Sending Love and prayers your way.
Linda Kivlin
We are all on your team, little brother. Love you and Lee.
Karen
Get well soon, David!
Kim Harris
I love you, Uncle David. Keeping you in my thoughts and praying that this works out! I’m always here to help in any way I can!
Peter Nunley
Make checks payable to:
Help Hope Live
Note in memo:
In honor of David McCulloch
Mail to:
Help Hope Live
2 Radnor Corporate Center
Suite 100
100 Matsonford Road
Radnor, PA 19087
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