UPDATE! ON 5/5/2023 I RECEIVED MY DOUBLE LUNG TRANSPLANT!!!

To go towards housing near transplant hospital for 3 months (as the time to be discharged to the apt is approaching faster than expected) and copayments on my lifelong, lifesaving immunosuppressant medications.

A short update, kinda. If I told the whole story that has happened these past 10 days since my double lung transplant on 4/5/2023, I would have to write a book. Hahaha

I am forever grateful for all of you that has been praying for me this past year. It sure has paid off! God has His hand in every minute detail, even the things after a year of extensive research, I didn’t even think about. It’s all Him!

I’m way ahead of schedule for recovery, I’ve had no ecmo, no tracheostomy, no bleeds, no leaks or no drop foot. I was out of ICU in 5 days, some people are still in ICU months post transplant still not being able to eat, drink or take meds by mouth for months and months after transplant. I’ve been on a full diet by mouth for 3 days now. I’m walking laps on the unit without oxygen for the first time in 6 years. While some are still in ICU 2-3 months post, I’m starting the next step after being released to the step down unit. I start PT in the gym tomorrow morning.10 days after transplant! You can’t tell me God hasn’t heard all of your prayers and isn’t controlling every step of this journey.

I still have 2 of 4 drainage tubes in my chest giving me a little trouble with pain and alot of drainage, but I’m getting stronger and stronger everyday. So we are working on that and working on getting the right combination/cocktail of all immunosuppressant and other medications are being tweaked.

Please continue to pray for my donor family and continued success with no rejection of the lungs for myself.

I truly appreciate each and everyone of you. I thank you all for the encouragement, support and prayers from the bottom of my heart.

I NEED YOUR HELP!

In my younger years I worked around a lot of chemicals as a Research and Development Tech and unfortunately smoked at the time, a time when it was socially acceptable. Crazy, right? But when I was younger, I thought I was invincible. I also was premature as a baby and the doctors now tell me that could be a contributing factor since at my age (53) my lungs shouldn’t be as bad as they are. I then changed careers working in the restaurant business for about 15 years until I went on disability in 2017.

Then, a few years ago, I began slowing down, I started to have shortness of breath and would huff and puff going up a flight of steps, I figured I was just getting older. I didn’t go to the doctor much previously due to not having insurance, but in 2017 things got worse and I was diagnosed with End Stage Chronic COPD/Emphysema. My health story as of now, as written by my mother…
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“I need your help raising money for my son Dwayne, He desperately needs a Double Lung Transplant due to End Stage COPD/Chronic Emphysema.

He is hospitalized multiple times a year for approximately 3 weeks at a time to stabilize after an exacerbation. After these exacerbations his lungs suffer a little more irreversible damage each time. His baseline never gets back to what it was previously. We were told his End Stage COPD/Chronic Emphysema will only get worse and without a Double Lung Transplant, he will not survive. His lungs are only functioning at 14% of their compacity. FEV1 14%.

This was difficult news to receive, but we made the decision to go through with the process. After months of appointments and tests, Dwayne is now waiting to be listed for the transplant. The money raised will be used for his medical expenses, the very expensive anti-rejection/ immunosuppressant medications that must be taken for his lifetime. They are critical in maintaining the transplanted organ. During the first year after transplant, anti-rejection/ immunosuppressant drugs can cost $1800.00 or more per month, also for housing, fuel, travel expenses, food and other expenses not covered by insurance.

His transplant team of surgeons require him to be set up and living near the UF Shands Hospital, Gainesville, 2 1/2 hours away from his home prior and post operatively for 3 months or longer following his recovery with a 24/7 caregiver. The cost of this move will be extensive. The apartment the social worker has secured for my son will be $1700/month.

He is struggling to breathe on his own even with his oxygen. He also struggles walking and at times he struggles with talking. He has been home bound for the past 2 years. He loves life and he is very grateful for this second chance to live and enjoy his life again!!!

He is limited financially, as we know so many of you are as well at this time. If you can share or donate, no matter how big or small, it will help to save his life. Any amount will be greatly appreciated. Even more so important, would be prayers for Dwayne. He loves life and he is very grateful for this second chance to live and enjoy his life again!!!”

Thank you Kindly for your Support during this difficult time.

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I try to stay positive, although hard on the bad days, my peace and positivity only comes from my faith in God. The Lord Jesus carries me through the tough days. I also am very lucky to have my mother Sharon (the strongest most positive person I know) as my greatest support. She encourages me to continue to fight for a second chance at life to make myself strong, so that I am able to make a difference in this world. To me, that is the true meaning of life during the short time we are here.

Thank you for your consideration,

My family and friends are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live in my honor to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with transplantation.

I chose 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. And please share my page with your community.

For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.

Thank you for your support!

Dwayne Morrissey