Updated 6/3/2016

These lungs have been a miracle for the first 3 & 1/2 years. However, my body is rejecting the lungs and I’ve been in chronic rejection since December 2015. My medical bills were already so high I when my lungs were not in rejection, but now the expenses just keep getting higher and higher with all the new doctors, tests and all the moving parts that go into trying to fix these lungs. Any support would be so greatly appreciated by me and my family. Thank you, Debbie Hopper

EXCITING UPDATE:

On Thursday 5-3-12 Debbie received the miracle of a double lung transplant! She has a long and painful road to recovery, however at this time she is doing quite well as her body continues to incorporate the new lungs. They are strong and in wonderful shape and besides some minor issues within her body, she’s progressing nicely at this early time.

Deborah needs the support and assistance of her community.

Deborah is a graduate of Salem High School, The Cambridge School of Culinary Arts and earned a BA in Art History from New England College. She was a baker and volunteered at an animal rescue shelter until her health declined and she was no longer able to do such physically demanding work. She made a career move to The Peabody Essex Museum, a job she loves and hopes to return to after recovering from a lung transplant.

At the age of 12, Deborah was diagnosed with Interstitial Pulmonary Fibrosis. After three months of being in and out of the Intensive Care Unit with what was first diagnosed as pneumonia, she had a lung biopsy which ultimately pointed to her diagnosis of IPF. Since then Deborah has tried to live life to the fullest with her depreciated lung capacity. She has always been and will continue to be a fighter, but with the expectation of many life-long transplant-related expenses, Deborah and her family are in need of help with the associated costs that aren’t covered by insurance.

To help ease this financial burden, a fundraising campaign in Deborah’s honor has been established with Help Hope Live for any uninsured expenses. Help Hope Live is a nonprofit organization that has been assisting the transplant community for over 30 years. All contributions, no matter the size, are so very much appreciated. We are eternally grateful to everyone who has been in her corner over the years. Thank you for your consideration of a donation which is tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Your financial gifts will be greatly appreciated and will help Deborah make it through this difficult time.

With sincere gratitude,

The Family of Deborah Hopper
978-979-2402