Second Chance For Life

June 6, 2024

3 1/2 years ago I was hospitalized for 6 weeks with COVID pneumonia which left me needing permanent oxygen assistance. Last October my need for oxygen increased so much my Pulmonologist referred me to The Lung Transplant Team at Northwestern in Chicago. From December of 2023 to April 12th, 2024, I had extensive testing and even a heart stent procedure to see if I would qualify to be put on a lung transplant list. I was so grateful when I received the call that Joan’s and my efforts had paid off and that I was now on the transplant list. I was told that the actual wait time was typically 30-360 days. To our amazement they called me 2 days later! I then had dual lung replacement the next day. I am currently taking over 23 medications daily and many of them will be for the rest of my life. I am fortunate to have health insurance but it does not cover all of my expenses. Joan and I were required to rent temporary housing to be closer to the hospital to lessen the commute time for my weekly visits and to adhere to the hospitals strict guidelines of being within 50 miles of the hospital.

I am working hard at recovering and getting back my strength but as of now I get worn out easily and have quite a bit of pain. The miracle is that I no longer need supplemental oxygen and just have to give myself time to heal. Recovery time is estimated at 6-12 months with PT twice a week and continued Doctors visits and weekly blood tests.

As I work at getting my life back, I am asking for help as this journey will not only be physically and mentally taxing but also very expensive.

Thank you to all that have already been there for me and to those that will be there for me in the future. I feel blessed to have all of you in my life. My prayers have been answered.

Please visit my link below-

https://helphopelive.org/campaign/23953/

Thank you for the support