Maureen began smoking at the age of 16 when it was considered ‘cool’. So cool that she continued smoking for 37 years. Yes, she tried (unsuccessfully) to quit many, many times and was finally able to quit for good in 2008. Unfortunately, Maureen developed COPD which has taken a toll on her lungs. Now doctors say a double lung transplant is critical for her survival.
In her spare time, Maureen enjoys playing cards and Mexican Train dominoes. And yes, she is a bit competitive. She also enjoys crocheting, and doing jigsaw puzzles and she likes to read. Recently Maureen has begun trying her hand with Diamond Art. Maureen is generally quiet around new people.. After they get to know her they appreciate Maureen as sense of humor.
Since the onset of COPD and its progressing to stage 4, Maureen’s mobility has been drastically affected. Her breathing is extremely labored, and she requires to be on oxygen much of the time. Maureen isn’t able to do much outside her home. She has to decide how challenging it is to get to where she wants to go, especially if steps are involved, and to take into account that extremely hot weather with high humidity also present challenges. These limitations extend to something as simple as going out to eat with friends.
Maureen is fundraising to assist her with out-of-pocket transplant-related medical costs. Even with insurance, Maureen faces a lifetime of expenses associated
with her double lung transplant. After being released from the hospital after surgery, Maureen and her caregivers will need to stay near the transplant center for at least a month during recovery, incurring substantial expenses for travel, food, and lodging. Once Maureen returns home, she will need to travel back and forth to the transplant center multiple times a month for follow up doctor appointments. For the rest of her life, Maureen will be required to take daily anti-rejection medications. This medication is very expensive and just as important to her survival as the transplant itself.
Maureen is very much looking forward to being able to walk around her apartment without struggling to breathe, to go out to eat with friends, to take walks (maybe even try hiking), to shop or to even go to the library. She is ready to get her life back, but right now, she need your help.
Please donate to Help Hope Live in Maureen’s honor today, and ask your friends and family to give too! We would love to plan some fundraisers in Maureen honor, too, so if you are able to help with that, please contact her good friend Barb at her email address of daisypo1962@gmail.
Maureen 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 so much for your generous support.
