Family and friends of Bob Murphy we are writing to you today with a heavy heart but also with hope, to share a personal battle my family and I are facing and to humbly ask for your help. For years, I’ve struggled with increasing shortness of breath. This condition, eventually diagnosed as severe COPD and emphysema.
I’ve spent many years working hard and supporting my family including my wonderful wife Christine, children Nick, Dillon, Madison and Logan, along with stepchildren Laura, Alicia and Michael, and many grandchildren. Providing for them has always been my greatest joy and priority.
Unfortunately, my health has deteriorated to the point where I’ve had to go on disability, significantly impacting our family’s income. More crucial, my lungs are failing and my best hope for a future, for more time with my beloved family, is a double lung transplant.
The journey to even reach the stage has been arduous. We’ve had to jump through countless hoops, navigate complex medical systems, and make significant sacrifices. Just recently in January, Christine and I spent two challenging weeks in Pittsburgh undergoing intensive testing therapies and treatment essential for transplant consideration. While this was a necessary step forward, the unplanned cost for lodging and food during that time put a considerable strain on already already tight finances
As of last week, I have been approved for a double lung transplant and will be put on the transplant donor registry around the 7th of July. This is brought our financial hardship into sharp focus. Christine and I feel as though we need to account for every single penny. We are struggling not only with daily Financial Obligations on reduced income but now facing the overwhelming cost of the transplant itself, the expenses associated with pre-operative care, the complex surgery, essential post-operative recovery, lifelong anti-rejection medications, and ongoing therapies are astronomical and estimated to be upwards of 1.3 million.
Unfortunately we cannot face this mountain alone. We urgently need to raise funds to help cover the cost of the ongoing medications therapies, doctor’s appointments and ultimately the lifesaving double lung transplant in the extensive care required before and after.
Your gift, no matter the size will directly impact our family during this incredible difficult time. It will help alleviate the immense Financial pressure we are under, allowing us to focus on my health and the challenging path ahead. It will provide tangible help for medical bills, travel for treatment, and the basic necessities that have become a struggle. Unfortunately we have to relocate to Pittsburgh for 4 months to be closer to the hospital after the transplant is over.
We know that times can be tough for everyone, so any support you can offer whether financially or simply by sharing our story is deeply and sincerely appreciated, your help is needed now more than ever. Thank you for taking the time to read our story if you are considering our plea we’re incredibly grateful for your kindness, your support and your friendship.
With heartfelt gratitude and blessings.. Bob and Christine
