Craig Joseph Cushman

Johnstown, PA

Mid-Atlantic Transplant Fund

$6,655 of $40,000 Goal

Total funds raised as of 01-20-2020

The fundraising indicator is updated daily by Help Hope Live during our normal business hours (M-F 9-5 pm ET) to reflect new donations since the previous update. Donations are not shown in real time. The amount displayed reflects gross contributions before any fees or deductions have been applied.

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In honor of Craig Joseph Cushman

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2 Radnor Corporate Center
Suite 100
100 Matsonford Road
Radnor, PA 19087

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Dear Family and Friends,

As many of you know, for the last 14 years my dear husband Craig has been courageously battling end-stage renal disease (kidney failure), a result of his diabetic condition of 40 years. Since April 2012, Craig has been on dialysis three days a week for six hours a day which is keeping him alive. Though he is doing fairly well with this treatment, he is unable to work. We are told that his only real shot at a long and healthy life is to receive a kidney/pancreas transplant as soon as possible.

Currently, Craig is completing his medical evaluations at UPMC (Pittsburgh) and Geisinger (State College) Hospitals. However due to extraordinary expense of transplantation, as well as Craig’s inability to work, funding this life-saving operation is a monumental task. Even with insurance, Craig will have many uninsured, transplant-related expenses such as: co-pays and deductibles, doctor’s visits, travel and temporary relocation to the transplant center and the costly immunosuppressant medications (estimated at $20,000-$40,000) that he will need to take for the rest of his life. Fundraising has been suggested to us and we have been told that we will need to raise an initial $5,000 before Craig can be placed on the active transplant waiting list. This presents a financial challenge that we cannot meet alone.

To help offset his uninsured costs, a fundraising campaign in Craig’s honor has been established with HelpHOPELive, a nonprofit organization that has been assisting the transplant community for over 30 years. All contributions are tax-deductible, are held by HelpHOPELive in the Mid-Atlantic Kidney/Pancreas Transplant Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for transplant-related expenses only. You can help make a difference in Craig’s life. Please consider making a contribution.

To donate by credit card, select the DONATE NOW button or call 800.642.8399.

Together we can make a difference by assisting Craig during this difficult time. Thank you in advance for your generosity and support.

Michelle Cushman
[email protected]

May 20, 2017

Today I am making this update because it sure has been a while since I have made an update.

I have been so blessed by receiving such a gift of life from a teenager who was a match for me on September 11, 2015 as he was my hero in saving me and giving me the strength to pay it forward to others by achieving in finding employment with an agency being a Direct Care Worker (DCW) in the Johnstown area.

I have noticed how much of my life has changed for the better, and with the future ahead, the possibilities of paying it forward to others who have been diagnosed with ESRD, and getting on dialysis would be helpful to those that are not knowledgeable.

September 13, 2015

My husband is doing well and both organs are working! He has been in his hospital room since last night — finally — after spending overnight in the Transplant ICU. He feels different and everything. The doctor told him that the donor was a 14-year-old healthy male that was shot in the head last week and he passed late Wednesday night and they called my husband to come in on Thursday.

September 11, 2015

My husband Craig got a call for transplant at 2pm yesterday. It was a go and he went into surgery at 4am for the pancreas/kidney transplant. I am waiting to see how everything went and how he is doing. Please keep him in your prayers. Fundraiser not sure yet but will keep everybody post.

August 20, 2015

With the last fundraiser my wife and I had on August 8th, it was a success. I am working towards another fundraiser on Saturday, October 3 2015. Got lots going on and I am taking it day by day and hoping for that call to get my transplant. If you like spinach, you would like the pie at the fundraiser. If you live near Johnstown, come enjoy and support a good cause.

July 18, 2015

I never knew how to get donations through businesses until recent for my spaghetti dinner for August 8th. I am hoping that my PSA’s get on air soon. I am really hoping for a great outcome but will leave it to the people. I have order enough of spaghetti, meatballs, sauce, salad, and just have to get jello and fruit, and soft drinks, chips for the dinner.
I am really excited to have begun such a big event that I am so thankful for my wife Michelle, church, and friends to help me organize it. I will have a big surprise to announce at the event, so if you would like to find out my announcement, please come to the event if you are local or make a donation and I will write to you to tell you the announcement.

With everything that is being planned and organized, I am so very thankful for all the support!!

Feeling Blessed!!!

June 23, 2015

Hello everybody,
Well its been awhile since I’ve made a post and I really need support because I feel as if my time is close for transplant. I am hosting a spaghetti dinner on August 8th 2015 at Grace Lutheran Church at 2:46 Chandler Avenue in Johnstown Pennsylvania from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
I hope that I see a lot of people there and has a great outcome.

December 21, 2014

Everyday is a challenge for me. I live day to day trying my best to have a happy life with a happy wife, but she feels my pain and struggle. I have been married now for almost 9 years and hope to renew my vows on May 14, 2016 to a unique, loving, supportive, and all the great words that describe her, Michelle Ann Cushman, my wife.

October 8, 2013

Pictures of myself and family

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September 28, 2012

Love you and We can get through this together. Live life to the fullest and never give up. Love you lots till death do us part.

Michelle/Johnstown,Pa

Mail a Check

Make checks payable to:
Help Hope Live

Note in memo:
In honor of Craig Joseph Cushman

Mail to:
Help Hope Live
2 Radnor Corporate Center
Suite 100
100 Matsonford Road
Radnor, PA 19087

Help make a difference in Craig’s life.

Updates (7)

May 20, 2017

September 13, 2015

September 11, 2015

August 20, 2015

July 18, 2015

June 23, 2015

December 21, 2014

Photo Galleries (1)

October 8, 2013

Guestbook

September 28, 2012

Mail a Check

Share Craig Joseph Cushman's Page

Help make a difference in Craig’s life.

Updates (7)

May 20, 2017

September 13, 2015

September 11, 2015

August 20, 2015

July 18, 2015

June 23, 2015

December 21, 2014

Photo Galleries (1)

October 8, 2013

Guestbook

September 28, 2012

Mail a Check

Share Craig Joseph Cushman's Page

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