Help Denise Warner Breathe Again: Support Her Lung Transplant Journey
Family and friends of Denise Warner are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with a Transplant. Denise has chosen to fundraise with Help Hope Live in part because donations are tax deductible for contributors and will only be used to cover medical and related expenses.
Help Denise Breathe Again: Support Her Lung Transplant Journey
Updates (14)
December 31, 2025
I know it has been a few weeks since I was able to update you all, but please know that time has not kept Denise from moving forward. She is learning—day by day—the balance between freedom and the necessary constraints of her new life with new lungs.I was fortunate enough to spend a few days with Denise and Deb and can share where they are—both figuratively and literally.First, hats off to both Denise and Deb. Denise, as always, is hard to keep down. She stays busy learning her medications, discovering which foods agree (and disagree) with her, and—perhaps the hardest lesson—learning her limits. In every free moment, she is itching to do something, whatever that may be at the time. True to Denise form, she is tough on herself, with big ideas that don’t always align with reality (she once told me she wanted to walk around the neighborhood six times a day). Her blood sugar and digestion gently remind her that she is human—regardless of what anyone else might believe.And then there is Deb—the steady force who makes it all happen. She dutifully documents everything, knows and enforces limits, and organizes appointments, medications, and extra needs with the precision of a trained nurse, pharmaceutical technician, doctor, physical therapist, coordinator, and sister—all in one. Denise is learning to accept that someone else is now “in charge” of the costumes and quick changes. This is not a role for the weak, but one that Denise and Deb are more than capable of handling, with those watching left in awe as the art unfolds.While it may sound like a beautiful performance, this is a very different life. Hours are spent preparing and taking medications, completing required movement and exercises, and attending doctor appointments that would make anyone’s head spin—all while carefully balancing food and self-care. Managing these basics alone fills an entire day.Their appreciation for the donations goes without saying. Thank-yous will come in the months ahead, but right now they are still adjusting to a new life—one that takes every hour of the day. A life that is deeply worth it, because it involves living without oxygen tanks and without constantly wondering how much time is left. A life focused on healing, learning a new “normal,” and creating decades still left to live, love, and give.From the beginning, Denise has said her mission is to spread joy—and she has done just that. From decorating hospital wings with handmade stars, dancing to music, and waving like Queen Elizabeth, she brought smiles and laughter to overworked and underpaid hospital staff. One of my favorite moments was speaking with a social worker who told me how much everyone loves Denise and how much joy she brings wherever she goes.Thanks to donations, Denise and Deb have housing through January. In the coming days, we will begin various fundraisers to help cover housing costs in Jacksonville until they can return home—hopefully mid to late March. Stay tuned for Little Caesars fundraisers (available nationwide), Panda Express fundraisers (available anywhere Panda Express delivers), and possibly Denise-inspired wear that will showcase her incredible art while supporting her medical expenses. We will ask that you all spread these fundraisers far and wide.As we wrap up 2025, we wanted to share photos that capture Denise’s journey so far—from a year before surgery, when new lungs weren’t even a spark in her eyes, to a photo taken just yesterday as Denise and Deb settle into their three-month home in Jacksonville. I will add comments to specific photos with additional details. Thank you all again for the prayers, donations, love, support, messages, notes of encouragement, phone calls, and so much more. May you all have a blessed New Year, and as you celebrate tonight, please take a moment to think of Denise and Deb’s new year—and how it is possible because of those who love them and lift them up. Thank you.*Pictures will be added to the photo album. :) <3
December 19, 2025
12/18 - It’s been over a week since our last update, and we’re so grateful to finally share some more wonderful news.Less than three weeks ago, Denise received two new lungs, and she is doing AMAZING. She is up and moving around, having full conversations, and truly acting like someone with brand-new lungs—because she is! She is thankfully past the “surgery brain fog” and is thrilled at the prospect of being discharged from the hospital early next week.Denise is beyond thankful for every donation, prayer, and message of support. Because of your generosity, we have been able to secure housing for Denise and Deb through January. They will continue traveling to the hospital daily for the next several months and will remain in Jacksonville until at least sometime in March, assuming her recovery continues to go as well as it has been.While we are incredibly grateful for how much has already been covered, there are still many known and unknown expenses ahead. These include housing for February and March, medications not covered by insurance, medical bills insurance does not cover, transportation, possible medical equipment, and other unexpected needs.Because of this, we are exploring additional fundraising opportunities—some that also highlight Denise’s gifts or allow supporters to “help in two ways at once.” Examples include restaurant nights, where you can enjoy a meal and a portion of the proceeds goes toward Denise’s medical expenses. As these fundraisers are finalized, we hope you’ll share them with your friends and family. If you are willing to run a fundraiser in your 'neck of the woods' or social media circle, we would be so grateful!It is truly because of your prayers, love, support, and generosity that Denise has recovered so beautifully. Thank you for walking this journey with us. Stay tuned for more updates.Peace and love to all
Photo Galleries (1)
Guestbook
January 4, 2026
All my love, Denise! Here's to a happy and healthy New Year!
Stephanie Spriggs
Stephanie Spriggs
January 3, 2026
I am so proud of you, Denise and Debby!❤️
Ruth Hering
January 2, 2026
You've got this Denise! You are a shining example of a good human, and I hope you feel all the love coming to you!
Alexander Mrazek
