Brett Tonnancour

Letter from Diane

My husband Brett Tonnancour was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) 2 years ago in March. IPF  is a progressive and deadly lung disease with no treatments or cures available.  Fibrosis causes scarring in the lungs which quickly causes the person to get less and less oxygen, this in turn causes difficulty breathing, loss of mobility and function.  This is a terminal illness and the only option for an IPF patient is a double lung transplant to survive this deadly disease.



As of September 2, 2021 Brett’s doctor informed him he will be put on the authorized transplant list and will be having his surgery at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. The transplant itself is risky. If he pulls through the surgery, there is still further risk of his body rejecting the lungs.  All post – transplant patients are put on autoimmune suppressants to help the body not to reject the new lungs as a foreign object but this also leaves the body vulnerable to other sickness, disease, bacteria, etc.



The recovery is beyond hard.  The hospital costs, medications, doctor’s visits, travel/temporary relocation, co-pays/deductibles, respiratory rehab/physical therapy, painful procedures/tests & round the clock care is a major deterrent for most patients when they are told the body can reject the new lungs at any time.  Due to all of the above concerns and possible complications, some IPF patients decide the risks outweigh the reward.  I’m happy to report that is not the case for Brett, he’s a fighter for sure. For those who know Brett, he would not ask anyone for help, so I am asking for him. He has a huge heart and a very strong personality and will endure whatever it takes to beat this awful disease. The one thing that this fight takes besides bravery & willingness – is support, both emotionally and financially. This is where we are asking for your help.

I can’t give you a concrete list of the costs that are going to be racked up during & after this transplant. Even now with pre-transplant we need financial help with at home caretakers, oxygen tanks, medications, etc.  The amount of time & money we may need to dedicate to his care is likely going to be extremely high. We are looking at a minimum amount of $28,000 in added expenses.

Unfortunately, our insurance does not cover everything we need to help keep Brett alive!!

 Originally, Brett and I did not want a fundraiser. Having this information put out to all of you is not easy for the both of us but we are determined to do whatever it takes to help with his financial burden. We can’t give up now, not when he is fighting for his life. I’m asking for help and if that cannot be done, prayers are always welcomed…

Our Hearts will be forever GRATEFUL!!


Family and friends of Brett D Tonnancour are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with transplantation.

Brett D has chosen to fundraise for Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for contributors. Contributors can be sure donations will be used to pay or reimburse medical and related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Give button.

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

Thank you for your support!