Terri’s life took an unexpected and challenging turn when she was diagnosed with Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in January 2022. IPF is a chronic, progressive, irreversible and usually fatal interstitial lung disease which affects approximately 100,000 people in the US. On average, patients who are diagnosed with IPF live between two and five years from diagnosis, given the limited medicines available to treat the disease.

This diagnosis has been life changing and terrifying…IPF is characterized by thickening and scarring of the connective (interstitial) tissue in the lungs. The cause is thought to be due to an abnormal wound-healing process that results in excessive tissue build-up in the lung.

Terri’s first signs were the inability to catch her breath… extreme fatigue…but life went on and she continued to care for her mother, who was unable to care for herself any longer, 24/7 until her death on October 6, 2020, Terri’s 57th birthday.

This year we all celebrated Terri’s 60th birthday and we look forward to many many birthdays ahead…. but Terri has a very difficult road ahead which is why we chose to launch this fundraiser.

As we have learned this disease is chronic, progressive, and irreversible. There is only one option…..so Terri began her journey for double lung transplant this summer…. She is currently in the process of ‘transplant listing’ which involves many appointments, testings, evaluations, most of which are done in Boston at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

So the process has begun and with much uncertainty we, as a family, are surrounding Terri with love, support, and unwavering positive energy. The financial impact it will have on Terri and her family will be insurmountable. Terri will be out of work for a significant amount of time; healing, rehabilitating, and hopefully regaining her quality of life. She is unsure if she will be able to continue nursing after the surgery is complete and she has fully rehabilitated. So the future of her beloved career is uncertain.

There is so much we don’t know at this point… but Terri remains optimistic and positive! Although there are restrictions in place, medications, oxygen support, and incredible fatigue….Terri continues to do the things she loves… and is still working.

In conclusion… We are indeed fortunate that Terri’s health insurance will cover the bulk of the cost of the surgery…. but there are so many other financial obligations to consider…. our hope is that by the generosity of those who have had the honor of sharing Terri’s life, we can eliminate the pressure and stress that severe financial restraints can cause.

Donations to our efforts will be deeply appreciated … whether large or small… each one will provide a sense of peace on this unpredictable journey.

Please accept our heartfelt thanks, in advance, for your support…..and please join us by wishing Terri a successful, happy and healthy outcome!!

We 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.

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