Kathleen Eilber

In 2003, Kathleen Eilber was diagnosed with a severe case of pulmonary fibrosis; a condition where the lung tissue becomes damaged and scarred, making it difficult for the lungs to properly function. As the condition worsens, it becomes difficult to breath and many patients need a lung transplant. Kathleen’s condition has progressed and she is now unable to leave her house without portable oxygen and her wheelchair. Walking very short distances causes Kathleen to struggle, and she often has massive coughing spells which can last up to 30 minutes each time. Kathleen is undergoing extensive medical testing at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital, and she is expected to receive her lifesaving lung transplant in the near future.

Kathleen is a woman who always puts others before herself. She would give her last bite of food to see to it that someone else is fed. She loved to volunteer with the local Girl Scouts and Daisies club and used to run her daughter’s cheerleading camp before she became ill. More than ever, Kathleen enjoys spending time with her 19 year-old daughter and her 22 year-old son, as well as her two adorable grandchildren! Kathleen hopes to one day resume her active life and have the opportunity to breath without the assistance of oxygen. A lung transplant is Kathleen’s only hope for the life she once knew.

Transplants are lifesaving, but the costs for this type of surgery are monumental and more than Kathleen can handle alone. Co-pays and deductibles, travel and lodging fees, health insurance premiums, doctor visits and medical bills are quickly adding up. Kathleen will also be required to take post-transplant anti-rejection medications for the rest of her life. These out-of-pocket expenses are expected to exceed $2000/month, and Kathleen needs your help.

To help with this financial burden, a fundraising campaign in Kathleen’s honor has been established with HelpHOPELive, 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, are held by HelpHOPELive in the Mid-Atlantic Lung Transplant Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for transplant-related expenses only. Your contribution is greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your generosity, prayers and support. Your donation, no matter how big or small, is one step closer towards a successful outcome for Kathleen.

Gratefully,

Andrew Decker, Kathleen’s son-in-law
[email protected], 609-346-0163