Hey everyone, my name is Becky. I am 43 and am facing a double lung transplant. I am a mother of four amazing young adults and a Gigi to 3 beautiful grandbabies. I am currently a student at Colorado Technical University where I am 2 months away from graduating with my bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in finance. I will then be going back for one more year to get my master’s in accounting. I want to live out my dream of being able to walk across the stage and get my diploma with my class but as it sits now, I wouldn’t be able to due to lung issues.
What got me here to this point is I used to smoke. I smoked for 25 years before finally quitting about 3 years ago. That’s when all my medical issues started coming on full force. I have been diagnosed with COPD and Emphysema. I only have 17% lung function as of right now.
I used to be the type of person that was always on the go. I was the one that work was calling constantly because I was quick at my job and got things done in a timely manner. I had the energy to go out and have fun with family and friends. Now, I can only work two days a week and I don’t leave my house unless I absolutely have to because it takes too much energy. I can’t walk too far without having to stop and take a break to catch my breath. The littlest tasks are hard for me to do anymore. Standing for too long and I get faint.
I have been referred to Nebraska Medical Center for the transplant. I have done some research on the facility and the procedure and have found that I will be in the hospital for up to a month. From there I will have to stay in Omaha to be close to the transplant team for my aftercare. The only thing is, I will have to pay out of pocket for where I stay for the next three to four months. I have insurance that will help with some of the medical costs but there will be some that won’t get covered, and I have to find a way to cover that.
So, a break-down of what I am looking at is this.
*The physician for the transplant is $77,200.
*The post-transplant medical care needs for 180 days are around $231,500.
*The average cost of a double lung transplant, which is what I am looking at, is $1,295,900. This cost includes the surgery, hospital stay, and post-transplant care for 180 days.
*However, this does not include the cost of immunosuppressants and other medications, which can cost an additional $26,500.
*In addition to the medical costs, there are also non-medical costs to consider such as housing and transportation. The cost for housing prior to and after my transplant can be one of the most expensive non-medical costs I encounter. Since I don’t live close to my transplant center, lodging can be essential to access my medical care. The cost of housing can add up quickly.
Family and friends of Becky Timmons are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with transplantation.
Becky 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!
