My name is Dana Wurdeman and I desperately need a lung transplant. Five years ago I was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma and emphysema. For the past five years I have been in and out of the Intensive Care Unit due to my diagnosis and nearly lost my life on two occasions. My lung function has been rapidly deteriorating since my initial diagnosis.
I have lived in Scottsbluff, Nebraska for 42 years. I am originally from Columbus, Nebraska where my mother and many other family members still live. I have a wonderful wife, children and grandchildren. I have been in the farming and cattle business all my life and have worked for the same farmer and rancher in Scottsbluff since 1986.
I realize that I have taken life for granted in more ways than one and my quality of life is being affected drastically. A few months ago I was evaluated at the University of Colorado and I am excited to say that I am eligible for a lung transplant. Because of this I have HOPE and would do anything to be able to spend more years with my family. I would love to farm again, but in reality I just want to be able to visit my youngest daughter and future son-in-law in Mississippi, spend quality with my family and friends, and watch my precious little granddaughter grow up and go to school.
The transplant process is VERY expensive but LIFESAVING! There are many pre- and post-transplant related expenses that I will be facing including the very costly immunosuppressant medications that I’ll need to take for the rest of my life. Financing this procedure and follow-up care, even with insurance, is a HUGE task. Even though I am a proud man and know that there are other people out there needing help, I know that I cannot do this alone which is why I’m asking for your support.
To help with my medical expenses, 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 held by HelpHOPELive in the Midwest/West Lung Transplant Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for transplant-related expenses only. Your prayers and financial gifts would be greatly appreciated and will help my family get through this difficult time.
With the deepest gratitude,
Dana Wurdeman
