Steve was an incredibly healthy 53 year old man who did everything right. Ate healthy, worked out religiously, never smoked, used drugs, and a very light social drinker.. Friendly, fun loving, and a genuinely kind human being.
He has been employed with United Parcel Service since 1987 and had a plan to retire in the next few years. But not all plans work out the way you would hope.
February 2022 after returning from vacation he became very sick. After a few trips to the emergency they finally admitted him. Four days later on February 22nd, they transferred him to the ICU where he was intubated and diagnosed with the Delta variant, staph, and bacterial pneumonia. For the next few months he fought hard to stay alive. At one point his parents got a call stating that he may only have a few days being so fragile, but because of his strong body and many prayers he was able to pull through. Ventilator dependent, trached , and in the need of new lungs.
On June 25th he was transferred from Portland hospital; to Stanford university to get medical approval and was put on the list for a lung transplant.
He is quite fortunate that he worked for a company with great medical benefits, but the costs of relocation and housing pre and post transplant unfortunately is not covered. They will need to live down there 3-4 months post transplant with 2 dedicated caregivers to be near the hospital to ensure all goes well. Currently he is down there alone. His mother is working hard on making a plan to figure out how they will afford to make all this happen. Hopefully his wait for new lungs is not long, but love and support is a very important factor in his mental and emotional well being.
Deep appreciation goes out to everyone who sees fit to join in helping Steve’s life continue. Prayers of gratitude and blessings to you all.
Family and friends of Steven Whitaker are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with transplantation.
Steven 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!
