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Help Hope Live for Susan Harwick double lung transplant

Hello my name is Susan Harwick. I prefer to be called Sue. I am a mother of 3 and have 3 grandchildren. I have been married to my husband Dave for 45 plus years now. My story started 11 years ago when I first started having difficulty breathing. I went to my pulmonary Dr and had a few test done. The 1st thing they found was sleep apnea. They put me on a CPAP. I was also on 2 liters of oxygen when needed which was basically when I was active. During this time I found out I was also a type 2 diabetic. I continued this route for approximately 6 years. The end of 2019 after years of smoking I quit cold turkey. January of 2020 I was having severe problems breathing. I was taken to the hospital and admitted. They did not know what was really wrong but treated me for pneumonia, respiratory failure. After about a week I was sent home. I couldn’t really do anything and couldn’t walk more than 20 feet. My 02 levels would drop down to the low 60s but after a few minutes it would go back to mid 80s. I continued to express my concerns. Everyone’s 02 levels drop as long as they go back up fast all is ok. I was then put on a trilogy vent. December 2022 I was not able to breath at all. My 02 was down to 65. By the time the ambulance arrived I was turning blue and 02 was 35. I had covid even after taking all precautions not to get it. I ended up having to be put on a ventilator in ICU. My family was told I had 1 to 10 days. With prayers and my family I pulled through. After 3 months I came home. I was still on a home ventilator and concentrator and 02 was boosted to 3 liters when needed. Since then it has been boosted to 3 liters when stationary and 5 liters when active. June 2024. I was sent to see able getting zephyr values put in my lungs. The DR immediately sent me to er because my 02 was so low. While in the hospital all sorts of testing was done. They found I had a hole in my heart, severe COPD, PAH. I have 14% lung function. I’m back in pulmonary rehab and have done all sorts of testing and continue to do so. I have now been excepted as a double lung transplant candidate. My goals are to be able to play with my 13 month old grandson ,to play with my Yorkie and chorkie. To reconnect with my Hot Wheels diecast family ,enjoy time with my husband,children and my other grandsons. I also want to be able to see the rest of the United States I haven’t travelled to yet. I want to be an inspiration to other transplant candidates. It’s a struggle to get to the hospital which is 2 hours away as our car is 24 years old and in it’s last legs. Plus we are living on my SSI only as my husband was a care giver for not only me but his mom as well before her passing. Bless everyone that has been there for me during this difficult time in my life. If you can donate it would be greatly appreciated. If not if you could share my story that to would be appreciated. Love Sue. I believe the initial goal is $3500.. I will update when I know more. Pictures below are what keep me going along with my faith in God.

Updates (1)

April 9, 2025

Friday the 4th of April Sue got a call that she was on the transplant list. We were so happy but knew it could awhile before she got her new lease on life. Monday at 1:30 the lung transplant coordinator said she was officially on the list as it hadn't been updated yet. We were told to be close and answer all phone calls. They informed us that many times there are dry runs which means lungs may not be good for her , but we still had to go to Orlando if we got a call. Monday night around 9:23 we got a call to be there Tuesday morning at 7:00 am. We were prepared for a dry run. It turns out it wasn't that day. Sue received her gift of life her double lung transplant. Early morning she was done with the surgery. We went up to see her and were surprised to see her awake and trying to get up. Today she is doing great. She has the tube in her throat but is waving and writing requests. Vent is barely on. All vitals look good. They will more than likely remove tube tomorrow if not sooner. Sue is a fighter and wants up and out of here as soon as possible but also knows she has to be very careful. She seems so excited about her new lease on life. Thank you Advent Health, family, friends and all of our support team. You all are a God send. Bless you all.

Photo Galleries (1)

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Guestbook

April 20, 2025

Hope you can find some Hotwheels soon.

Anonymous

April 13, 2025

Prayers for a speedy and smooth recovery!!

Beth Ackbar

April 11, 2025

Kim and I love you both very much … and we miss seeing yall on our Hot Wheels journeys … yall take care and hopefully we will get to see you both again in the very near future!! (((((((( BIG HUGS )))))))

Stephen & Kim Newman