Angelica Walsh

Angelica Needs Your Help

Family and friends of Angelica Walsh are raising money to pay for uncovered medical and temporary relocation expenses associated with bilateral lung transplantation. Angelica was initially on the waitlist at University of California San Francisco Medical Center. However, after they determined that a fungal infection made transplant too risky, they took her off the list and said that she would most likely spend the rest of her life on a ventilator.

She and her family didn’t like that answer so they called about 25 centers across the country. Only one, Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO, said they would take Angelica as transfer patient. Thanks to Dr. Ramsey Sachem who was willing to give this Navy wife and mother of a 6 year old daughter a chance. She flew to St. Louis on 12 May, was listed on 16 May and got her new lungs just a week later!

Angelica had been diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis which is a genetic condition that leads to chronic pulmonary infections and results in permanent scarring to the lung tissue. She had battled this disease her entire life while it gradually compromised her body’s ability to absorb needed oxygen from the air she breathes. At its worse, her lung function was about 15% of what a healthy woman her age should have, so she was on supplemental oxygen 24 hours a day. She also needed continuous mechanical ventilation which means she relied on a machine to help her lungs function.

Although their health insurance should pay for a majority of the medical expenses, some of the prescription medications may not be covered or may not be covered in full.

In addition, moving from San Francisco to St. Louis was last minute and unexpected. She and her family will have relocate and find temporary lodging for about 4 months following surgery. This is to ensure crucial monitoring during recovery and also to be able to report to the hospital if there are signs of organ rejection. Securing a temporary place to live in downtown St. Louis will be a financial challenge for them.

Her husband, Chris, is a U.S. Naval Academy graduate and 22 year Navy veteran who has retired from military service last year. He has signed an agreement with the transplant program to be Angelica’s primary caretaker. In this role, he must be available 24/7 to care for Angelica which means he is unable to work to augment his military pension. At the same time, he must be a father to their 6 year-old, handful-of-a-daughter, Annie.

The Walsh Family understands that many may not be able to give financially and want you to know that thoughts and prayers are just as welcomed as dollars and cents.

Finally, if they have not already done so, the Walsh Family asks that viewers of this campaign consider signing up with their state’s organ donor registry. One donor can save up to 8 lives.

Angelica has chosen to fundraise with Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility to the full extent allowed by law for donors. Donors can be sure that funds donated will be used only to pay or reimburse medically-related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Donate Now button.

For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.

Angelica, her family, and her friends want to thank each and every one of you you for your support.