THE DIAGNOSIS: Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis is a type of lung disease that results in scarring of the lungs (Fibrosis) for an unknown reason. Over time, the scarring gets worse and it becomes hard to take in a deep breath and the lungs cannot take in enough oxygen. This is a progressive disease that cannot be stopped unfortunately. It is fast moving and each day Harry is having a harder time getting enough oxygen. Harry was given an optimistic 3 to 5 years to live with this diagnosis.
Harry decided to fight. Or in his words – “giddy up.”
THE ONLY OPTION: Harry needs a double lung transplant to live. This process is not an easy one but this will give Harry time. Time to be with friends, family and watch his grandson grow up. The fight will be worth the time. He is literally fighting for his life.
Harry has been working with Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts throughout his diagnosis the past few months. The process of being approved for a lung transplant is intense to say the least. Harry has had multiple hospital stays since January, been through many tests, scans, meetings with different doctors, social workers, psychiatrists etc. Harry needs to be cleared physically and mentally for this fight. The transplant team needs to make sure that Harry is healthy enough (outside of his lungs) to not only survive the surgery but to also take care of his new lungs after. He needs a dedicated support team who will be there for him before, during and after his recovery. If approved, Harry will be put on the lung transplant list and receive a score as to where he is on the waiting list.
GOOD NEWS- Harry was approved for a lung transplant and will be put on the list!!! This is an amazing first step in his journey. He is not on the list yet; however, he should be soon and we should receive his score.
HARRYS FIGHT- As mentioned above, this is going to be a battle… physically, mentally and financially. There are so many things that go into this that people may not be aware of. For one, Harry is no longer able to work. Currently, Harry has no income coming in and is living off of some savings. We are waiting for his disability to kick in in August. On top of hospital bills, Harry has an oxygen machine he is on at home 24/7; we have purchased items to help support him to walk and stand to do simple things such as brush his teeth. The cost of medications, gas and parking to and from Boston, and everyday essentials is adding up. My family has always been very humble and resist asking for help. But, everyone needs help sometimes and Harry could use help right now.
THANK YOU- thank you to everyone who has called, text, sent messages etc. We truly appreciate all of the support and kind words. The support from others is super humbling and motivating and we are so thankful for all of you. HARRY WILL WIN THIS FIGHT.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
1. If you are able, and you would like to donate towards Harry’s fight, that would be greatly appreciated. Your donation will be tax deductible and help tremendously.
*Please see donation information below.
2. If you’re unable to donate financially, we completely understand. There are other ways you can help!
*Share this link on social media or with family/friends
*Send Harry a card or a letter of support- a little pick
me up on a difficult day always helps
*Send a quick text to Harry of encouragement
It is difficult for him to talk on the phone at times
*Encourage organ donation to your family and friends
when they renew their license
*Pray for Harry the next time you go to church or
pray at home
*The next time your working around dust, painting,
ripping up carpet, anything to this extent..
WEAR A MASK. IT WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE.
DONATION INFORMATION:
Family and friends of Harold Norregaard are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with transplantation.
Harold has chosen to fundraise for Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for contributors. Contributors can be sure donations will be used to pay or reimburse medical and 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!
