Becci Ryberg

In the Fall of 2022, Becci was diagnosed with Very Severe COPD and Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (Alpha-1) is a genetic condition that can cause damage to the lungs and there is no cure for Alpha-1. This diagnosis has progressed rapidly in just a few years, and she has gone from being very active and loving kayaking, to being dependent on oxygen and only able to walk short distances. It has limited the quality and longevity of her life.

Anyone who has ever told her she can’t do something knows she can and she will and she’ll do it with a smile, an infectious sense of humor & addictive laugh. Her resiliency has been seen throughout her life. Not knowing how to use the words can’t or won’t, she has never shied away from a challenge. There is nothing a YouTube video can’t teach her. Being there for a friend or relative has brought her joy, be it gardening work, cleaning house or sitting with them in their time of need. Friends in her inner circle know she will help if she can. She desperately wants to see her youngest child reach adulthood and be active in her grandchildren’s lives.

These last 3 years have humbled her. Asking for help is not her strongest suit, but her next fight is going to be her hardest yet. After three years of putting her health first, her lungs continue to decline, and she is being listed for a double lung transplant.

Family and friends of Becci Ryberg are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with a Transplant. Rebecca has chosen to fundraise with Help Hope Live in part because donations are tax deductible for contributors and will only be used to cover medical and related expenses. Please consider donating to help her through this journey.

It looks like Becci will be listed for a double lung transplant early 2026 with Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St Louis. The requirement is to move her and a full-time care giver there for 3 months after the surgery. There are low-cost, hospital associated, living arrangements, but she’ll need to still upkeep her Lenexa apartment and cover its costs, regular expenses, insurance premiums, co-payments, food and fuel. Not to mention help with the travel costs of her caretakers! Help Hope Live is a nonprofit GFM that pays bills directly for her. This money will go toward approved expenses only!