To all my friends and family:
My lungs from my Angel Gabriel have been sustaining me since my transplant in 2015, but I have a new health crisis that again requires caregiver services.
I was diagnosed with cancer in the bladder and left ureter. On February 28, 2022, I had a radical cystectomy and am at home recovering and learning to function with an ostomy bag. I have an excellent caregiver who helps me eight hours per day and will probably continue for about four weeks. Her rate is reasonable, but I have been unable to do my part-time work during the diagnosis and surgery.
If you wish to contribute a small sum to help me with these costs, please consider making a tax-deductible donation on this wonderful site.
Much love to you all,
Nancy
My transplant journey
Dear Family and Friends,
After having waited nearly three years, Nancy received the double lung transplant she desperately needed. The doctors at UCSF were able to do what they had hoped to achieve for Nancy—a successful lung transplant and the ability to breathe without oxygen for the first time in over ten years. This gift has provided Nancy with the opportunity to add a new chapter to her life.
While many of you have been instrumental in helping Nancy, and we thank you, the journey ahead will be challenging, both medically and financially. Therefore, we are asking for a donation to offset expenses while we maneuver through the medical maze of aftercare that Nancy will require. Our goal is to support Nancy back to independence and good health while providing the necessary rehabilitative care not covered by insurance.
Additional notes from Nancy:
You may know me as a teacher, a mother, a friend, and a person with great energy and determination throughout my life. Those defining roles also highlight the joys of my life: my teaching, my children, my friendships, and my interest in the world through travel. I was living a good life, with a meaningful career, two children and a granddaughter (pictured with me here), and a myriad of interesting friends, when I was stricken with scleroderma-related pulmonary fibrosis. Rather quickly, the disease forced me to retire from public school teaching. More control over my time and the use of supplemental oxygen brought me to a manageable medical situation which made it possible for me to continue doing what I love, teaching ESL part-time at Santa Rosa Junior College.
The opportunity for new lungs provides me with hope, but comes at great expense, far beyond my assets. In order to cover my out-of-pocket medical costs and the UCSF residency requirement to stay in San Francisco post-transplant for six weeks or more, I am asking you to consider donating what you can spare to help me with these expenses.
To help with this 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 Southwest Lung Transplant Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for transplant-related expenses only. Your contribution is greatly appreciated.
Nothing in my life has prepared me to reach out to friends and possibly strangers asking for help, even under such extreme and necessary circumstances. And yet, here I am. Thank you for reading my story and thank you for your contribution.
Sincerely,
Nancy Kyllingstad
Updates (23)
March 8, 2022
To all my friends and family: My lungs from my
Angel Gabriel have been sustaining me since my transplant in 2015, but I have a new health crisis that again requires caregiver services.
I was diagnosed with cancer in the bladder and left ureter. On February 28, 2022, I had a radical cystectomy and am at home recovering and learning to function with an ostomy bag. I have an excellent caregiver who helps me eight hours per day and will probably continue for about four weeks. Her rate is reasonable, but I have been unable to do my part-time work during the diagnosis and surgery.
If you wish to contribute a small sum to help me with these costs, please consider making a tax-deductible donation on this wonderful site.
Much love to you all,
Nancy
April 22, 2016
Tomorrow is the six-month anniversary of my double lung transplant and I will be celebrating all who helped me on this journey, first and foremost, my donor's family. I appreciate the many contributions of my family and friends who created fundraisers and made 184 individual donations to my campaign, totaling $36,004. My supporters brought me food and encouraging conversation; they drove me to UCSF for clinic appointments and for possible lungs on many occasions until the right ones were installed on October 22, 2015; they decorated my home for Christmas; they walked my wobbly legs around the neighborhood; they gave me healing sessions; they checked in regularly - in short, they showered me with love and reassured me as I dealt with bumps in the road to recovery. I feel blessed. Thank you.
February 25, 2016
Four months out, and progress is apparent. I am much stronger, and have gained eight pounds. There are lingering issues, but UCSF is wonderfully supportive. I owe so much to my donor's family, and my family and friends. Life is good.
January 12, 2016
Thank you to Pläj restaurant in San Francisco for a successful fundraiser in my name. A special cocktail was created in my name and proceeds from its sales were donated to my campaign!
December 11, 2015
Heading home on Dec. 19th. Thank you to my wonderful support team for making this possible. Looking forward to friends dropping by.
November 16, 2015
Check out my helping hands in the photo album. Getting great support.
November 4, 2015
After having waited nearly three years, Nancy received the double lung transplant she desperately needed. The doctors at UCSF were able to do what they had hoped to achieve for Nancy—a successful lung transplant and the ability to breathe without oxygen for the first time in over ten years. This gift has provided Nancy with the opportunity to add a new chapter to her life.
While many of you have been instrumental in helping Nancy, and we thank you, the journey ahead will be challenging, both medically and financially. Therefore, we are asking for a donation to offset expenses while we maneuver through the medical maze of aftercare that Nancy will require. Our goal is to support Nancy back to independence and good health while providing the necessary rehabilitative care not covered by insurance.
September 30, 2015
I appreciate these funds so much. In the two years and nine months that I have been waiting for lungs, I have had six offers that didn't work out, and was admitted to the hospital three times. There have been many co-pays for tests, doctor visits and admissions that were covered by this money raised for me by loving friends. My heart is grateful.
May 5, 2015
I'm still here. After four false alarms, and three months of weakness that left me unable to work, I'm hoping the next call is a go. Supportive family and friends encourage me every day, and I am strong enough to consider teaching one class in the fall.
September 18, 2014
Just letting you know that I'm still waiting, some days more graciously than others!
July 25, 2014
Thank you to all who have generously donated to help ease my mind about expenses relating to transplant. My goal has been exceeded, and financial worries have disappeared. Now I can focus on the strength I need for surgery and recovery.
July 23, 2014
I'm very grateful for the generosity of my friends and Help Hope Live. Since March, I have been reimbursed for $3254 worth of pre-transplant out-of-pocket costs.
July 14, 2014
My daughter has moved to San Francisco, and therefore is no longer a potential driver. Many of my friends are out of town enjoying well-deserved vacations. If you are in town, and have volunteered to get me to UCSF, please keep your phone with you, just in case!
May 8, 2014
The Preview Night benefit of Thoroughly Modern Millie at 6th Street Playhouse was a great success. Everyone seemed to enjoy the social hour and raffle, and the musical was terrific. Thanks to all who helped plan and participated, adding $4011 after expenses to my transplant fund.
April 24, 2014
One week from today, on April 30th, a Preview Night benefit will be held at 6th Street Playhouse. The musical is "Thoroughly Modern Millie." If you wish to join us, please check the link to the poster under Fundraising Activities for details.
March 17, 2014
This is the final week of "Team Nancy" Restaurant Month. Thank you to all my ESL colleagues at SRJC for organizing this fun event. Hope to see some of you at Mary's and Crepevine!
February 8, 2014
The MHS Leo Club served a pasta dinner tonight and raised $250 on my behalf during a Montgomery High School event! Thank you to all the students who planned and participated, and to their advisor, Donna Holmes. I'll be by to thank you in person at your next club meeting.
January 24, 2014
Off to a meeting today with my wonderful SRJC colleagues - ESL instructors all - who are planning a fundraising concert. Details will be posted soon!
January 12, 2014
This waiting game is difficult. I am on pins and needles, aware that I have to be ready to drop everything when given an offer. This also involves inflicting great inconvenience on my daughter and my support team. Still, I am trying to keep the faith that this fateful call will lead me to a more active, satisfying life.
December 25, 2013
Yesterday, as I was awaiting my family's arrival for Christmas Eve Tacos, I got a call from UCSF with an offer of new lungs. We arrived at the hospital at 5 p.m. and completed the surgical prep. About 10 p.m., the surgeon called and informed me that the lungs were no longer healthy enough. This was a difficult day, but having a dry run is not a bad thing. Now we are better prepared and know what to do and what not to do.
December 14, 2013
MHS held a very creative fund-raiser for me today at the staff holiday party at Chevy's in Santa Rosa. The Admin Team donated the money they had set aside for refreshments to my campaign. Attendees then had to pay for their own food and drinks. They didn't seem to resent this at all! It was wonderful to see everyone. Thank you.
December 13, 2013
Thank you for all of your contributions. Every time the total creeps up, I feel a little bit of worry disappear. Please be patient after making a donation; unfortunately the thermometer is only updated twice a week.
December 7, 2013
Feeling grateful for all the encouragement I've received at this scary time!
Photo Galleries (1)
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Guestbook
April 30, 2022
Hello Nancy,
So sorry to hear of your lastest \'misfortune.\' I do hope your spirits are uplifted somewhat when you read all the wonderful messages and see all the donations from your dear friends and caring SRJC family. I hope your little grandchildren keep you laughing and smiling, as I am sure they do. You are blessed in so many ways. Do not despair!
Love always dear lady,
Donna B.
donna bernabei
April 25, 2022
Hope you recover very soon!
Mazhar Mardini
April 12, 2022
Sending healing thoughts your way. Lots of love.
Claudia
Claudia Gray
April 12, 2022
Lots of love, dear Nancy.
Claudia Gray
Claudia Gray
April 3, 2022
Hoping for your speedy recovery!
Hugs,
Erika / Santa Rosa Junior College, Southwest Center.
Erika Moreno Pratt
March 27, 2022
You are an amazing person, Nancy! Sending caring thoughts your way!
Lorri Bogdanski
March 16, 2022
Sending wishes of good health to Nancy!
Karen Einstein
March 14, 2022
Best of luck in your recovery Nancy. You are a fighter!
Holly Vettori
March 13, 2022
Nancy is a brave and fine person. She appreciates every gesture of support and thoroughly deserves it.
Anonymous
March 12, 2022
Sending healing prayers.
Kathleen Hines
May 9, 2019
I am incredibly blessed by your story and my sons part in your life and future! May you breathe deeply and in an abundance of health and love for the duration of your life!
Amanda Goszulak
December 31, 2015
Here's to new beginnings and a happy and healthy 2016! We Love You! XO
Susan Sterling & Bob Carlson
November 6, 2015
Hi Nancy,
I think of you so often, especially our breakfasts in Sonoma during library school. Miss you so much, and hope to see you well soon.
Susan Thompson
December 30, 2014
Dear Ms. Kyllingstad,
I'm a former student from 25 years ago - and saw this page. I am wishing you well, and taking a moment to thank you for being a thoughtful and caring teacher during my adolescent life.
Ilsa Bertolini
July 15, 2014
I don't know where my message went your strong positive outlook is greatly missed. If you need drivers let me know my car has auto pilot to ucsf i think. Hang in there I know this will happen for you because of that upbeat attitude. Let me know if you need anything, really anything at all. So glad you've been able to teach a little for you and students. Your in my prayers let me know if you need a driver I'll leave my # on your private page
eve peterson
April 7, 2014
Hope you get well soon Ms. Kyllingstad!
Navsharan (Navi) Singh
February 17, 2014
I'm praying that you will receive a healthy pair of lungs without anymore "dry runs" in the very near future. You are precious and deserving to continue a long life. Keep up your hope and faith for those new lungs!
Your cousin, Leslie
February 5, 2014
Nancy- You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I remember the first time I met you and BJ at Montgomery High School about thirteen years ago as a student teacher. You were a positive force, a true mentor, a gifted teacher, and most importantly- my friend. Stay strong through this difficult time!
-Kevin McCarthy
January 17, 2014
Love you, Nancy! Thanks for keeping us updated.
Heather Rossi
January 12, 2014
Dear Nancy, You are an inspiration to all of us in the Scleroderma community. Holding you in my thoughts and prayers as you await your new lungs!
Barbara Reading
January 1, 2014
Hi Nancy,
It's a pleasure to be your colleague. I envision a pair of healthy, vibrant lungs in just the right size headed your way. The transplant procedure will be smoother and more efficient because of the "dry run" on Christmas eve. Deep breathing is on the way!
Pat MacKenzie
December 24, 2013
Dearest Nancy,
You are so much in my thoughts and prayers; I am rooting for you. You are an amazing, beautiful spirit and an inspiration to us all! Here's to new beginnings and a new life for you!
Sue Byrne
December 18, 2013
Dear Nancy,
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sylvia West and Loyal Carlon
December 14, 2013
Dear Nancy,
We are here for you and cheering you on! May all you dreams come true.
Mary and David Bartley
December 14, 2013
Best wishes! Lead the way, Nancy!
Sarah G.
December 14, 2013
We really enjoyed our Christmas eve with you last year. You are a wonderful light.
Aaron and Kim Bartley
December 13, 2013
Let's raise the funds--and not be concerned with that aspect. Stay strong Nancy.
Greg Blunt
December 12, 2013
Nancy what a beautiful loving woman you are, we are praying for a miricles,peace and courage thru this tremendous suffering and pain you are going thru .you are truly our hero and inspiration of a joy filled person. Love Meihuas family my daughter who is 20 has scleroderma so the pain is very really to us too. God watch over you and carry you thru this.
debbie and Paul Meihaus
December 12, 2013
Nancy, you taught my daughter Liana Meffert freshman English at Montgomery 7 years ago. I wish you the best of luck.
Melissa Kelley
December 11, 2013
Best of luck to you Nancy!
Nora Courtney
December 11, 2013
So nice to see you at our Christmas luncheon. Our prayers are with you, Nancy.
Gloria Salander
December 11, 2013
My heart is with you Nancy during this challenging time and please know my prayers are always with you now as they have been in the past. It's amazing how our lives have been intertwined through our daughters for fourteen years as great friends and being my other daughter's English teacher, then by surprise becoming housemates (upstairs/downstairs) with the Victorian House on 14th St. I always loved the smell of fresh scones baking or the special things you would do there... like playing the grand piano which brought such peace to my world as I would rest on the couch below when I was not well. Nancy you are a bright spirit that shines her light around the world! I am here for you, to raise awareness, raise funds, or just by being you friend Nancy anytime you need me, feel free to call me. May you be blessed and receive many healings along the way, and our prayers will be with you through the holidays <3
Love and Hugs, Tracy Baer Terrell and Ronnie Terrell
Tracy Baer Terrell
December 11, 2013
Nancy,
You had my sister at Montgomery High School Jenise Granvold and I too have passed you through the halls although since we have both graduated. I am so sorry to hear about your health conditions I will be donating in hopes of bettering your life and giving you the lungs you need to continue inspiring young youth.
P.s. Once a teacher always a teacher as goes once a mother always a mother and well you know what goes next... Once a grandmother always a grandmother :)
Svetlana Granvold
December 11, 2013
Praying for you and hoping you will meet your goal ASAP!! I'm a friend of your sister's. We retired at the same time and are in a Wine Club together. I met you at her house once when you visited. Hang in there! The transplant will become a reality!
Nancy Lindgren
December 5, 2013
I exercise with someone at the YMCA who is 5 years post transplant and living a full life. Fred and I send all our best wishes for the journey!
Sandy Brewer
December 5, 2013
Sending Love and Wishes For A Wonderful New Beginning! XO
Susan Sterling
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Help Hope Live
Note in memo:
In honor of Nancy Kyllingstad
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Help Hope Live
2 Radnor Corporate Center
Suite 100
100 Matsonford Road
Radnor, PA 19087
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