Bryan Duffel

Bryan has always drawn people in with his sharp wit, boundless warmth, and rare ability to make everyone feel like a time-honored friend. Even now, after everything, he’s still making the nurses laugh, still finding ways to lift the spirits of those around him.

Bryan, or “Duff,” as his friends call him, is a 46-year-old Project Designer who works in fire suppression systems for Convergint. He lived an exceptionally social life until a heart condition that he was born with finally took its toll. He received his first heart and lung transplant in the summer of 2023. After closely managing his diet, taking as many precautions as he could to not get sick, and working closely with doctors, he sadly got multiple infections in the summer of 2024. He spent months in the hospital not being able to breathe, and after doctors couldn’t determine the cause, it was decided that he would need another heart and lung transplant, which took place on December 29, 2024, six days after his 46th birthday. 

An avid gamer, reader, workaholic, and socialite, Bryan loves spending time with his friends virtually through a video game or on the kickball field. His dog Leah is his constant, his best companion through everything. And his friends? They’re his extended family, who he lifts up with his humor, kindness, and unwavering loyalty. He is considerate of others, hilarious, and humble. He loves traveling all over in search of a good time and a good book!

Since he first got sick, he’s been in and out of both OHSU and Stanford hospitals and has been unable to engage in activities that bring him joy or connection with his friends. He has had several months of not being able to breathe and finally was put on a feeding tube, taking away the ability to eat, which is extremely hard for someone who LOVES good food! Unable to use his hands fully due to tremors brought on by medications, he is not able to text or email, cutting him off from his social circle. Additionally, due to a much lower immune system and a high possibility of getting sick, he’s been unable to attend large indoor events, volunteer, or even see and play with Leah. 

As Bryan prepares to leave the hospital, he faces a new set of challenges. He will need to remain in California for several months in an outpatient setting before returning to Portland. This transition period will require significant support. We need to rent an apartment, and potentially furnish that space, to can accommodate Bryan and a caregiver. This caregiver needs to be with Bryan at all hours, ensuring he is taking his medications on time, completing his exercises, and driving him to all of his appointments. Since this is his second transplant, his insurance will not cover the cost of housing. This is where your support becomes crucial. We are fundraising for the cost of rent, transportation, and medical bills for this time. Your contribution will make a significant difference in Bryan’s recovery, underscoring the importance of community support in times of need. 

Once Bryan is back on his feet and able to move back to Portland, he can return to his friends and Leah. He hopes to continue building his strength back up, return to work, and re-engage with the activities and social events he’s missed out on these last several months. 

Please donate to Help Hope Live in Bryan’s honor today, and feel free to share this information with your friends and family. It’s tax-deductible. Your contribution, no matter how small, can make a significant difference in Bryan’s life. Finally, please contact Katie ([email protected]) or Stephanie ([email protected]) for any other fundraising ideas. Thank you for your generous support!