Katherine Hrbolich

Katherine Hrbolich is a loving and devoted 65-year-old mother and grandmother who is living with the day to day burdens of a life-threatening disease. Katherine was diagnosed with emphysema and COPD in 2001. As the years, have gone by, Katherine’s health has declined as her body has struggled to deal with the devastating and increasing effects of her diagnoses. Thus, her doctors in Ohio referred her to a medical team at UNC Hospital that specializes in lung transplants. After countless tests, the team has determined that Katherine needs a lung transplant to save her life.

Katherine has devoted her life to caring and helping others. She has raised two loving and successful children and took in and cared for her mother in law before she passed away in 2012. Katherine has worked the past 15 years at Summit Academy, a charter school that specializes in educating children with special needs. She has been an active member of her church and community participating in countless outreaches for those in need and the homeless.

Katherine and her family are grateful for the opportunity for her to receive this life-saving transplant. However, while lifesaving, transplants are also financially draining. Even with insurance, Katherine, her family, and caregivers will be facing high out of pocket expenses. Some out of pocket expenses include relocation (short-term housing, food, transportation) for Katherine and her caregivers to Chapel Hill to be close to the hospital and doctors for post-transplant care. She will also incur out of pocket expenses for medications of up to $1400 a month, copays, and lab fees.

To help offset such expenses, a fundraising campaign in Katherine’s honor has been established with Help Hope Live, a trusted nonprofit organization that has been providing community-based fundraising guidance to patients and their families for more than 30 years. All donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law, are held by Help Hope Live in the South-Atlantic Lung Transplant Fund, and are administered by Help Hope Live for transplant-related expenses only. If you would like to make a contribution, please click the DONATE NOW bar.

Your support is critical to the success of Katherine’s lifesaving transplant. Please know that every contribution counts. On behalf of family and all who are helping to support for Katherine during this time- we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. This battle cannot be won alone and we are humbled by your support. Thank you for joining us to help Katherine enjoy many years of loving and living life!

Thank you,
Jamie Hrbolich
Katherine’s daughter-in-law