Where to begin? Life has many challenges. I have faced plenty in my life, especially in the past several months. I was born with a genetic disease called Cystic Fibrosis. It affects the digestive system, sweat glands, and most notably the lungs. Its complications forced me to face a life changing event: a double lung transplant.
Over the past two years my lungs had declined significantly. I spent many weeks and months in the hospital just to maintain what lung capacity I had left. I was on oxygen 24/7, but even that was not enough.
Our insurance began covering lung transplants in January, 2013. Since Kansas does not have a lung transplant program, my husband Joe and I temporarily move to Dallas, Texas in hopes of receiving this life-saving surgery. After two months of evaluations, being put on the transplant list, and waiting for “the call”, our prayers were answered. On March 18th I received my life-saving double lung transplant.
We are now faced with financial challenges – in the coming months and possibly for years. Even with insurance many expenses are not covered and must be paid out of pocket – relocation expenses, travel, co-pays, deductibles and a life-time of expensive anti-rejection medications. I must stay in Dallas for at least three to four months to recover from surgery and to insure my lungs are not rejected. Because Joe is my primary care-giver, he is unable to work during this time.
To help ease our financial burden, a fundraising campaign in my honor has been established with HelpHOPELive, a nonprofit organization that has been assisting the transplant community for 30 years. All donations are tax-deductible, are held by HelpHOPELive in the Midwest/West Lung Transplant Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for transplant-related expenses only. Please consider making a contribution.With much love, we thank you for your kindness, generosity and prayers.
Julia & Joe Rogers
316-207-3176
juliebugrogers@yahoo.com
