In August 2022, a sobering diagnosis of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis hijacked Dana’s otherwise active, independent life. The disease, commonly referred to as IPF, is a terminal condition that scars the lungs, limits his ability to breathe, and increases in severity over time. Daily life presents struggles unimaginable in a former and more healthful time. Showering is exhausting; walking his dog, Brodie, requires strength and focus most take for granted; and increasing spates of coughing shake his body to the point of breathlessness. Nose bleeds are regular disruptions, fatigue is a constant companion, and weight loss fuels complications. The only cure is a double-lung transplant.
But IPF isn’t the end of the story. A year and a half after diagnosis, Dana needed five stents for cardiovascular dysfunction that emerged separately from the IPF, adding more complications to an already complex transplant surgery. Understanding his circumstances required expertise and finesse beyond the typical lung transplant, Dana had to look beyond local care in Charleston, SC.
After research into the world-renowned program at Duke University Hospital, Dana relocated to Durham, NC, where he is currently under the watchful eye of its extremely capable team. But the challenge ahead is still great—physically, mentally, and financially.
Dana has been forced into disability, which doesn’t even come close to covering monthly expenses: mortgage, food, utilities, and ongoing home maintenance. Although he’s insured, his out-of-pocket share for specialty meds and the great expense of a lung transplant—OVER $1 MILLION—is significant. And this doesn’t include the relocation cost to Durham of $5,000 per month or the post transplant care that will be required for the rest of his life—upwards of $1,000 per month. His diminishing 401k is taking a brutal and premature hit with excessive and early distributions. He needs your help to preserve the physical and financial future he deserves.
Please donate today to Help Hope Live and support Dana. Share his story on social media and get the word out. We all know Dana as a kind, compassionate soul who deeply cares about the world around him. Let’s show him the world cares about him too.
