Deanna Blythe

UPDATE:

PRAISE GOD! How could we imagine the changes we might experience after He grants us a new life here on this earth- marriage, parenting, transplant, (fill in the blank), etc? In the transplant community, the more widespread daily lifestyle changes (restrictions in diet, hobbies, habits, capabilities, etc.) are called “the new normal.” There have been a few setbacks and uncertain times, but, by God’s grace, the blessings have far outweighed the challenges from the double lung transplant I received on December 18, 2023. I can hardly fathom that, thanks to the generous prayers and donations of so many, the financial support that has been donated through HelpHopeLive has miraculously lasted over two and a half years. It has been an unbelievable blessing in getting us here. There is no doubt that this has been God’s provision!

The medications-especially the immunosuppressants that prevent rejection of my new lungs and ward off the effects of systemic sclerosis (which caused my need for a double lung transplant), intermittent and emergency medical care, and regular testing/checkup appointments, keep my physical health stable and my progress positive. These, now lifelong, necessities are the most drastic changes (and costs) incurred due to my transplant. One of the most humbling lessons I am still learning is to ask for help when necessary, and accept it as God’s way of offering a blessing to the gifted and the giver. There are no words to explain how appreciative we are for all the has been given to and for us, and we ask you to consider giving to HelpHopeLive in honor of Deanna (and the gift her donor and family gave).

Please enjoy the picture updates! Blessings to you all!

ORIGINAL:

Family and friends of Deanna Blythe humbly request your help during her extreme health circumstances.

Though only diagnosed last year, Deanna’s decade-long struggle with systemic scleroderma (an incurable autoimmune disease) has devastated her lungs. The pulmonary fibrosis diagnosis came with only one option for survival- a double lung transplant. We’re asking family and friends to join us in fundraising for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to help with critical expenses Deanna will face immediately after surgery and during the recovery that follows.

Deanna has poured much of her life into caring for others- her family and her students taking top priority. She realizes the faithfulness and grace of God in her life, which has helped her focus on her blessings and find joy, even in tough times. Now, facing the lifelong hazards immunosuppression creates and her life threatening level of lung dysfunction, Deanna continues to rely on God to supply every need- possibly through the generosity of those who love her.

While Deanna has health insurance, many transplant expenses are surprisingly not covered, such as highly expensive anti-rejection medications/immunosuppressants that Deanna needs to take for the rest of her life to protect her new lungs. Deanna has been told to anticipate, on average, an initial 20-day stay, then appointments at least twice a week for bloodwork and testing at the hospital for the year-long recovery following transplant, creating frequent travel/transportation and parking expenses.

Donations to Help Hope Live can healp ease the financial burden of a transplant and allow Deanna to focus on a healthy recovery and a long life ahead with Jeremy, Elcee, Isabel, Regee, Parker, Tyson, and Raymond.

Deanna 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.

Your support and encouragement are immeasurably appreciated!