Kristi Veeder is a 36 year-old wife and mother of three children. She was born with congenital heart defects that resulted in 4 heart surgeries by the time she was 20 years old. While working for the Grand Island Public Schools for a number of years, she developed and was diagnosed with Pulmonary Hypertension secondary to her congenital heart defects. Since her diagnosis in October of 2005, Pulmonary Hypertension has caused a progressive deterioration in her health, necessitating a heart and double lung transplant. She requires oxygen, numerous medications and frequent hospital visits. Her survival is dependent on a heart/lung transplant.

Although Kristi has health insurance, there are many uninsured out-of-pocket expenses that add up. While some patients live close to their transplant center, some have to temporarily reside in the city where they will be transplanted. Kristi will be expected to leave her home, family, and friends and relocate for several months or more while waiting her transplant. Her doctors have estimated the cost for her to be near the transplant center in St. Louis, MO., may exceed $20,000. Fundraising is essential to the overall success of Kristi’s outcome.