After almost 2 years of struggling with a progressive interstitial lung disease, Billy is now recovering from a bilateral lung transplant at the Hospital of the University of Pennslyvania. The months ahead will be challenging in many ways, and donating to Help Hope Live is a way to support Billy and his family through the financial burden that accompanies such an impactful medical event.
In October of 2021, Billy was hospitalized for sudden respiratory distress. It was determined that he had developed a type of interstitial lung disease that caused inflammation and scarring of his lungs. He was eventually discharged from the hospital, requiring consistent home oxygen, steroid treatments, and additional respiratory supports. While his family was told that this was a progressive disease which could only be halted with a bilateral lung transplant, no one could be prepared for how quickly it escalated to that level.
Updates (1)
October 2, 2023
10/1/23: Billy and his family are so appreciative of all of the support and well wishes. He is currently recovering in the ICU, with plans to move him to a step-down unit in the next 24 hours. He is slowly becoming more mobile, and is already feeling the effects of breathing with his new, healthy lungs. He will be continuing to recover at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, and barring any need for additional therapy, will be able to return home in a few weeks.
Once home, the first several months will be spent making 3-4x weekly trips with wife and other family caregivers to Penn (an hour drive) for his daily therapies, testing, and treatments. He will be following a strict regimen of medications to keep him healthy and to prevent rejection of his donor lungs. His wife and family will be providing 24/7 support in the coming months to help him on his long journey to recovery.
Photo Galleries (2)
Guestbook
October 8, 2023
Sending prayers for a speedy recovery!
Corey & Jill Beil
October 7, 2023
Praying for healing and restored health
Jami McManus
October 6, 2023
We wish you all the best that life can give you during your recovery.
Susan Mager
