Ryan Verdel

Ryan really needs your help.

About 8 years ago, at age 25, Ryan was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease called Scleroderma. This is a terrible condition where his own body attacks itself and has caused scarring in both of his lungs and in his esophagus. His lung function had deteriorated dramatically over the last couple years — both requiring him to be on 24-7 oxygen and preventing him from taking more than a couple steps without major physical repercussions. But now, he has finally received the gift of new lungs which will both prolong his life and dramatically improve his quality of life!

We are not totally out of the woods yet, but he is receiving amazing care at The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. We are asking family and friends to join us in fundraising for the nonprofit Help Hope Live. This will help defray critical expenses Ryan will face as he recovers — including the cost of lodging near the transplant center — where he is required to stay for a minimum of 3 months, following his discharge.

Ryan has always been a hopeful, prayerful, and generous soul, and he needs our help now. While he does have health insurance, surprisingly, many transplant and medical expenses may not be covered. We have no idea which anti-rejection medicine will work for Ryan, yet not all of them are covered and can cost up to $5000 a month if they are not.

We have chosen to fundraise for Help Hope Live — in part because they assure fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility to the full extent allowed by law for contributors. Contributors can be sure that donations will be used to pay or reimburse medical and related expenses. Donations to Help Hope Live will assist in alleviating the incredible burden of these transplant expenses, and will help Ryan focus on recovery and rebuilding his life. Thank you so much for all your prayers!

To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Give button.

For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.

Thank you for your support!