Ellen Macko

FROM CHRONIC COUGH to IDIOPATHIC PULMONARY FIBROSIS TO LUNG TRANSPLANT

Family and friends of Ellen (Swenson) Macko, are raising money for the nonprofit “Help Hope Live” organization to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with lung transplantation. Ellen was diagnosed in 2017 with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). IPF is progressive, non-curable scarring inside the lungs, making it difficult to breathe and it is terminal.

Ellen was approved and listed for lung transplant on 12/18/2023 and will have surgery at the University of Penn. Hospital as soon as a donor is found matching the correct criteria. It is a vital option that requires intense commitment.
Bob and Ellen will temporarily live in Philadelphia due to 6 weeks hospital stay, 2 weeks ICU Post-Op, then 4 weeks in a step down unit. After which there will be 3-4 weeks pulmonary Rehab with close physician monitoring, possibly at an Acute Rehab Facility, before returning to home in New Jersey.
Costly medications will be life-long mostly for immunosuppression.

Ellen 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!