Over the years, Donald’s illness has progressively worsened, and he now requires oxygen around-the-clock just to be able to breathe. Walking short distances and most forms of physical exertion have become increasingly difficult for Donald. He has been notified by his pulmonologist that without a lifesaving double lung transplant, Donald’s options and most of all, his time with his loving family and friends, will soon run out completely.
To make matters worse, Donald’s father and brother both sadly passed away from IPF at a very young age. Donald’s sister, Carol, was also recently diagnosed with IPF. Donald refuses to let his condition get the best of him — and more than ever he wants to fight his illness and undergo a successful lung transplant.
Donald was born in Bellefonte, PA and now resides in Milesburg, PA. He has two lovely daughters and five wonderful grandchildren! He spent his career working for Warner Company for close to 25 years. He was also volunteer firefighter for over 20 years with the Bellefonte Undine Fire Company. Donald enjoyed metal detecting and antique bottle hunting, and more than ever he wants to resume the life he once knew.
Transplants are lifesaving, but the costs to fund this procedure are overwhelming. Donald is now in the process of being evaluated for his surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, and he is expected to be placed on the active transplant list soon. Co-pays and deductibles, travel and lodging fees, health insurance premiums, medical appointments, and anti-rejection medications that Donald will need for the rest of his life are expected to costs upwards of tens of thousands of dollars. He will also be required to stay in Pittsburgh once he has his surgery, and lodging fees are not covered by his health insurance. Donald is in great need for these overwhelming expenses associated with his lung transplant. He has always been there to help others – now it is time to reach out and help Donald.
To help with this financial burden, a fundraising campaign in Donald’’s honor has been established with HelpHOPELive, a trusted nonprofit organization that has been providing community-based fundraising guidance to patients and their families for more than 30 years. All donations are tax-deductible, are held by HelpHOPELive in the Mid-Atlantic Lung Transplant Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for transplant-related expenses only. Your contribution is greatly appreciated.
For credit card contributions, please call 800.642.8399 or select the Donate Now button on this page OR
Make checks payable to:
HelpHOPELive
Note in memo section:
In honor of Donald Shawley
Please send to:
HelpHOPELive
Two Radnor Corporate Center
100 Matsonford Road, Suite 100
Radnor, PA 19087
Thank you for your prayers, generosity and support in making Donald’s lung transplant a success!
Gratefully,
Donald’s loving family and friends
