Mark Piper

In 2010, my husband Mark Piper suddenly became very ill and began to have difficulty breathing. He was diagnosed with a severe case of COPD and emphysema, and his condition progressed in recent years. Mark relies on oxygen 24/7 and it has been determined that his only chance of survival is a lifesaving lung transplant. He had a stent placed due to an artery blockage, and has also been undergoing extensive medical testing to soon be placed on the active transplant list at the University of Colorado Hospital.

Mark grew up in Benton, Wisconsin and we relocated to the Colorado Rocky Mountains in 1994 because of Mark’s love for the great outdoors — hunting, fishing and hiking are his passion. We have been married for over 35 years, and have two wonderful sons, Joe and Jamie and a granddaughter, named Paelynn. Mark worked very hard his whole life supporting our family, but was forced to quit his job due to his illness and is unable to enjoy the many outdoor activities he once knew. More than ever, my husband wants to teach his granddaughter how to fish and spend as much time as he can with his loving and supportive family. Mark is committed to a healthy lifestyle, and is hopeful that a lung transplant will give him a second chance at life!

Transplants are lifesaving, but the costs are more than our family can handle on our own. Even with health insurance, Mark and I are facing very high out-of-pocket expenses, and we need your help. Deductibles and co-pays, doctor visit and medical testing fees, travel and lodging expenses and health insurance premiums are quickly adding up. Mark will also be required to take anti-rejection medications for the rest of his life, which are expected to cost well over $3000 per month.

To help with this financial burden, a fundraising campaign in Mark’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 Midwest/West Lung Transplant Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for transplant-related expenses only. Your contribution is greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your continued prayers, generosity and support during this difficult time. Your donation, no matter how big or how small, is one step closer towards a successful lung transplant for Mark.

Gratefully,

Lydia Piper, Mark’s loving wife
(720) 979-5207