Three years ago, after a long shift at the hospital, I awoke suddenly with shortness of breath and chest pain. I was rushed to the hospital and after a lung biopsy, blood work, an MRI, and many more tests, I was finally diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). IPF makes it difficult for oxygen to pass into my blood stream and hardens the lungs, causing shortness of breath. The scarring in my lungs cannot be reversed, and currently there is no treatment for it.
I was given 3 to 5 years to live and now, my only hope of survival is a life-saving double lung transplant. After being hospitalized several times for pneumonia, lung infections, and shortness of breath, I have been rendered physically disabled. Until I am transplanted, I have to be on oxygen 24/7 and continuous breathing treatments.
Despite this obstacle, I refuse to give up! With my faith, the support of my husband, three wonderful sons, and loving daughter-in-law, this is a journey I will embark upon and I will fight with all I have in me. I want to be there to see my children grow up, and meet my eventual grandchildren. I want to continue to be there when they need their mom! I want to grow old with my husband and have 25 more years of marriage. I have so much to live for, and will never give up on ‘My Miracle.’ I have been evaluated at Cleveland Clinic and am now a candidate for a double lung transplant. Through the gift of transplantation, I hope to be given the chance to continue being a mommy and wife.
Transplantation is life-saving, but very expensive. Financing this procedure is a monumental task—a challenge me and my family cannot meet without your support. There are many pre-and post- transplant related expenses that are not covered by insurance, including co-pays, deductibles, travel to and from the transplant center, and the costly anti-rejection medications I will have to take for the rest of my life.
To help with these uninsured expenses, a fundraising campaign in Amy’s honor has been established with HelpHOPELive, a nonprofit organization that has been assisting the transplant community for 30 years. All donations are tax-deductible, are held by HelpHOPELive in the Great Lakes Lung Transplant Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for transplant-related expenses only. Your financial gifts as well as you prayers are greatly appreciated and will help me and my family through this difficult time.
Thank you and God Bless,
Amy Johnson
614-579-2947 / [email protected]
Updates (4)
March 17, 2015
Hi Everyone!
Has been a very long year! Have been extremly busy with appointments and traveling back and forth to Cleveland Clininc! I am still waiting for my double lung transplant! I am currently still going every three months for testing to check on my lung functions! At this point they r continuing to deminish. But seem to be doing so at a slower rate! Due to the biological injections I am on weekly!
The transplant team at Cleveland Clinic are monitoring my condition very closely, due to the fact the current meds I am taking can and will not be effective in fighting this condition at some point! And I will require immediate evaluation for transplant! So I am trying to remain positive and keep praying that I will receive my miracle! Mean while I am enjoying my children and watching them grow up! And I Thank God for every day I am given! And pray for my miracle and second chance at life!!
May 14, 2014
Just wanted to send out a short up date! First I want to Thank everyone for all your prayers, and donations! The last several months have been very busy. With many Dr appointments, test, and trips to Cleveland Clinic! I will be leaving in June to return to Cleveland Clinic for more testing. And a evaluation on how close I am to transplant! They have finally gotten all my meds in order, according to my condition and how it is affecting my breathing on a daily bases. I am using a inhaler now,along with taking 3 to 4 breathing treatments a day! On a weekly self injection, and the most important Oxygen. Many other drugs every day also!
I am still continuing to Fundraise! To help pay for the high cost of these medicines. And the traveling back and forth to Cleveland! I usually stay 2 to 3 days at a time! When I do receive my gift of Life! The cost for transplant, and rejection medicine will be extremely high! And in order to be able to pay these cost, I am still fundraising with helphopelive! I am continuing on this amazing Journey, knowing God has it all in his hands! I am so blessed for each day!! And I will never give up on my MIRACLE!! --Amy
Photo Galleries (1)
Guestbook
January 7, 2014
Just wanted to say Thank You to every one for your Prayers, and your kind donations! I am so blessed to have been given another holiday with my family and friends! I am still praying and believing in my miracle! I will never stop fighting, and my faith is stronger then ever before! Again Thank You, and God Bless! My heart is so humbled. Love Amy
xoxoxo Amy J
November 25, 2013
My oldest son Aaron left for military training 2 weeks ago! I miss him so much!! I miss his laugh, and his smile! You r in my prayers !! Love ya momma!!!
Amy johnson
November 12, 2013
SAD DAY FOR MY DAUGHTER AMY AND THE FAMILY. THEIR SON LEFT FOR OKLAHOMA FOR HIS MILITARY TRAINING. HE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL.,ESPECIALLY AMY.
NORMA PATTON
