Dennis Bowers

Dear Family and Friends,

Breathing is something most of us take for granted. I know I did!! But when your lungs do not provide the air you need you become severely fatigued. I have been slowly losing lung capacity since I was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, (also known as COPD), 13 years ago. Last winter it became much worse. Even with oxygen, it is difficult to do the smallest daily tasks like taking a shower, getting dressed, or walking from room to room. Even more distressing is my inability to play with my grandchildren or fish, two of the greatest joys in my life. After an extensive hospital stay and multiple tests including breathing tests, x-rays, and cat scans I was told I only have 12% TOTAL lung function and a lung transplant is crucial for survival.

This brings me to the purpose of my letter. Organ transplantation is lifesaving, but very expensive. Though I have insurance, only 80 % of my surgery will be covered. There will be many other uninsured expenses such as immunosuppressant medications that I will have to take for the rest of my life, travel to and from the center, and relocation. As a result, Cleveland Clinic’s transplant department recommended fundraising to help me face this challenge. But I cannot meet it alone. I need your help.

To help ease this financial burden, a fundraising campaign in my honor has been established with HelpHOPELive, a nonprofit organization that has been assisting the transplant community for nearly 30 years. All donations are tax deductible, are held by HelpHOPELive in the Midwest Lung Transplant Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for transplant-related expenses only. Please consider making a contribution.Your financial gifts will be greatly appreciated and will help me make it through this difficult time.

With sincere gratitude,

Dennis Bowers
567-674-2404 (My daughter Amber’s number)
[email protected]