Joelma Redfern

Please help Joelma get a lung transplant

My name is Joelma, I am 37 years old and I was born and raised in Brazil. In 2001 I moved to the USA, and I have since become a US citizen. My husband and I celebrated 10 years of marriage and we have two children, an 8 year old son and a 6 year old daughter. After 2009 I started to have shortness of breath and I was losing weight very quickly. In January 4, 2012, I went to the ER. I had a lung biopsy and I was diagnosed with severe progressive SPORADIC LAM. Since my diagnoses I have been on oxygen 24/7. The doctor told us I will need a double lung transplant. It was a very scary time for my family. I learned that I will have to do things differently, because I have limits now, with everything. I used to run and play with my children – I cannot do that anymore. I am so blessed to have the support of my family and friends.

Now I see life differently, I appreciate every little thing now much more than before. I strongly believe in GOD, HE is in control of my life and makes me feel strong and full of hope.

I recently finished my evaluation for a double lung transplant and I am currently on the transplant list at the University of Maryland Hospital in Baltimore, MD. This is both scary and exciting for me. My oxygen, therapy, and medicines are very expensive. I cannot work anymore to contribute to the expenses. This presents a challenge I cannot meet alone.

To help with his uninsured costs, a fundraising campaign in my honor has been established with HelpHOPELive, a nonprofit organization that has been assisting the transplant community for 30 years. All contributions are tax-deductible, are held by HelpHOPELive in the Mid-Atlantic Lung Transplant Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for transplant-related expenses only. You can help make a difference in my life. Please consider making a contribution.

I believe you only have one life to live and, this is it, to have a second change is called a miracle. I am looking for this miracle!

I want to say thank you and GOD bless you

Joelma