We are up against a challenge that we cannot face alone — Kari is in need of a lung transplant. To give you a bit of background, Kari is 42-years-old with a young family. She was born premature with pneumonia, and from the beginning she always had respiratory issues and was treated with medication for her symptoms. Over the years, she has been hospitalized multiple times with lung infections. As a child she was diagnosed with severe asthma and then in her twenties with Bronchiectasis and COPD. Over the past few years, her condition has steadily worsened and today she is on oxygen nearly 24 hours a day. Unfortunately, this is a life threatening illness and the only medical option is a lung transplant.

Kari has been evaluated at the Cleveland Clinic and is considered an excellent candidate for lung transplantation. Transplantation is lifesaving, but very expensive. Even with insurance, Kari will have many uninsured transplant-related expenses such as: co-pays and deductibles, doctor visits, travel and temporary relocation to the Cleveland area and the costly immunosuppressant medications that she will need to take for the rest of her life. The help and prayers of family, friends and community are greatly needed and appreciated to make the outcome successful.