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Hello, my name is Pamela. I am 36 years old and in need of a double lung transplant.

In 2015 my cough and shortness of breath started. I was a healthy 30-year-old enjoying the dream life with my husband Gary, and two daughters Natalie and Danielle. I was working as a Registered Nurse at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Eureka.

All my breathing problems started one evening after being exposed to glade plug-ins. I had a horrible coughing fit and became short of breath in the days following. My husband insisted that I see the doctor. (Going to the doctor is hard for me as I probably have a bit of white coat syndrome. I’m a great advocate for my patients but when it comes to myself, I become hesitant). They gave me an inhaler and a breathing test was ordered. The results showed moderate lung restriction and the report indicated I had “poor effort.” I have had a history of seasonal allergies but have never smoked or done anything else to compromise my lung health. After seeing more family doctors, allergy/asthma specialists, and a pulmonologist I was diagnosed with asthma. I felt defeated as none of the doctors took my complaints seriously. The pulmonologist, whom I worked with at the hospital, was dismissive of my symptoms. When I went to visit him as a patient, he downplayed my concerns and told me that when he sees me at work, I “look okay.”

Updates (2)

December 20, 2022

Well a Christmas miracle happened this last week and my Angel came! I am doing well and my donor was a perfect match, same size and no antibodies, Want to say thank you to everyone who supported my family and I at this time! A special thanks to my donor and their family for this incredible act of selflessness that has given us a second chance. I won’t be home for this Christmas but I’ll have many more Christmases in the future thanks to my God, my donor and their family, my family and friends, and of course my second family - the surgeons, doctors, nurses, nursing assistants and all the people here at UCSF who have helped keep me alive and taken care of physically and mentally during this 4 months!! Love you all and again thank you for your support!

October 24, 2022

Hi everyone! If I haven’t told you already - thank you to everyone who donated money and/or words of encouragement and love to help myself and my family through this difficult situation. I am deeply moved by all the prayers, generosity and kindness!

Just wanted to give a quick update: I'm doing well and have been in the hospital for just over 8 weeks. They're keeping me here until transplant where doctors can keep a close eye on me and the oxygen is endless. We had our first “dry run” last week, didn’t realize they bring you all the way to the operating room before they find out the lungs aren’t going to work, that was a rollercoaster if you could imagine! Luckily for me, my husband, sisters, and daughters were all here to support me through it. Hopefully next time I write here it will be to share news of a successful transplant…. Until then xoxo

“When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on.” - Franklin D. Roosevelt

Photo Galleries (2)

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Guestbook

May 9, 2022

You’ve got this!! You and your family are in my thoughts.

Emily Casselman

April 30, 2022

Thinking of you, Gary & your lovely girls, and praying for the perfect Angel donor for you.

Andrew & Carol Unsinger

April 26, 2022

Hello, I had a double lung transplant in 2014 for CF at Stanford. Be brave, you got this! I am local if you want to chat. Best wishes.

Shanna Carlile-Roy