Denis and his wife Karen have lived in Heritage Hills for quite some time. As you may know, in 2011 Denis was diagnosed with a type of severe hypertension and scleroderma, which eventually attacked his lungs. Dependent on oxygen for over two years, his condition worsened to the point where he needed a double lung transplant, which he received in 2013. Since Denis’ transplant, he has been hospitalized many times for rejection; an unfortunate, yet somewhat common result of an organ transplant. Denis continues to remain medically fragile and faces challenges due to his compromised immune system.

Due to these challenges, Denis travels many hours each way to the transplant center at Shands every 6 weeks for multiple medical procedures, including x-rays, blood work, bronchoscopy and more. He needs constant monitoring, testing, and costly medications to ensure his new lungs continue to work properly and keep them from failing altogether. Even with insurance, Denis’ post-transplant medical bills are becoming overwhelming; out-of-pocket expenses include travel back and forth to Shands, co-pays, deductibles, medications, and lengthy hospital stays. Denis is a wonderful person and friend, was a dedicated Boy Scout Leader and someone who enjoyed helping those less fortunate; now, Denis needs your help and support.