Susan Harwick

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. I was then incubated for 4 days. 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.