Mary Wilson

Our beautiful Mary was accepted into the lung transplant program at Shands at the University of Florida in Gainesville, where she received the gift of a second chance at life on August 20th, two new, healthy lungs. She kept her diagnosis private so she could keep her mind, body, and soul strong for the long journey ahead.

Mary has always been the picture of health — a lifelong vegetarian, avid runner, and someone who has treated her body with love and care. That’s why it came as a shock when she was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) in November 2021 — a rare and unpredictable lung disease with no known cause. She remained in good health for three years after her diagnosis, until her doctor told her she needed a transplant. 

Despite this diagnosis, Mary continues to fight with remarkable strength, grace, and unwavering faith in God. She has so much life left to live — alongside her loving partner, Paul DiPerri, and their blended family. She is uplifted and richly blessed by her devoted son Austin, daughter-in-law Abilene, and twin grandchildren, Greyson and Avery; her daughter Tiffany, son-in-law Brad, and granddaughters Madelyn and Paige; and daughter Wendi and granddaughters Shayna and Taylor — each of whom fills her heart with joy. Surrounded by the love of her family, friends, and a supportive community, Mary remains filled with hope, resilience, and a steadfast determination to keep fighting and live a healthy life.

But the cost of this life-saving transplant is astronomical. Between the surgery itself, post-transplant care, medications, travel expenses, and maintaining two households, her home and the Airbnb near the hospital where she received life-saving surgery, the financial burden is overwhelming. We are turning to you — our community — to ask for help.

💙 How You Can Help:

Donate whatever you can — every dollar truly makes a difference.

Share this message with others who may be moved to give.

Pray for Mary — we believe deeply in the power of prayer, and your support means the world.

🙏 Please keep Mary in your thoughts and prayers during this time. She is strong, resilient, and ready for this next chapter. With your help, we can ensure she gets there.

💛 From the bottom of our hearts — thank you for standing and breathing with Mary.

https://helphopelive.org/campaign/26205/

#TeamMary #LungTransplantSupport #IPFawareness #HelpMaryBreathe #PrayersForMary #TransplantHope