Bernard Roberson

Bernard Roberson, from Modesto, California is fighting the battle of his life. He is suffering from a severe and progressive lung condition, known as Interstitial Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) Familial Disease. This is a progressive condition isolated to the lungs, where the lung tissues become scarred making it more and more difficult for a person to breathe. Unfortunately, IPF is a disabling condition with no known cure or treatment, and all too often patients require a lung transplant. Bernard’s condition has progressively worsened, and he now requires full-time oxygen, and his physicians have told him that without a lung transplant, he probably won’t survive much longer. Bernard desperately needs your help during this very difficult time.

Bernard worked very hard his whole life to support his eight children. He worked for the US Post Office in Oakland, California for 34 years. He is now the proud grandfather to nine adorable grandchildren, and he refuses to let his medical condition get the best of him. More than ever he is determined to watch his grandkids grow up and spend as much time with his family as possible. Bernard also has a passion for his Harley Davidson, and looks forward to the day he can once again ride with his motorcycle club, The Black Jaks of Modesto, CA. Bernard is a loving and proud family man, but unfortunately he can no longer face his transplant expenses alone and he needs your financial help.

Transplants are lifesaving, but very expensive. After extensive medical testing and pulmonary rehab, Bernard has officially been listed for a double lung transplant at Stanford University Medical Center in California. While he patiently waits for the telephone call that will save his life, Bernard is facing mounting medical bills and out-of-pocket expenses. Co-pays and deductibles, insurance premiums, doctor’s appointment, travel fees and housing expenses continue to add up. Bernard will also be required to hire a caregiver, and live closer to the transplant center after his surgery. Post-transplant anti-rejection medications that are required for the rest of his life will cost upwards of $5,000 per year. While Bernard is out of work and disabled, he cannot begin to afford these expenses on his own.

To help with this financial burden, a fundraising campaign in Bernard’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 Southwest Lung Transplant Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for transplant-related expenses only. Bernard has chosen to fundraise with HelpHOPELive in part because HelpHOPELive assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility 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, please click on the yellow DONATE NOW button. For more information, please contact HelpHOPELive at 800.642.8399.

Thank you ahead of time for your thoughts, prayers and generous support. Please know that any donation amount is truly a gift and one step closer to a successful outcome for our deserving friend.

Kind Regards,

Bernard’s family and loving daughter, Sybia Roberson ([email protected], 202-534-0149)