Steve Mowrey

Steve Needs a Double-Lung Transplant!

Steve Mowrey is only 53 years-old and fighting for his life. Three years ago, he was diagnosed with a progressive form of pulmonary fibrosis, a condition that causes scarring in the lungs and usually develops without an identifiable cause. Symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing and many patients often need a lung transplant over time. Steve’s condition has progressed over the years and he now uses around-the-clock oxygen to breathe and his pulmonologist has indicated that he desperately needs a lifesaving lung transplant to survive. Steve has found his quality of life is completely taken hostage by the progressive and life-threatening nature of his lung condition. Being a non-smoker and diagnosed completely off guard, Steve is frustrated but anxiously looking forward to his new lungs so he can once again enjoy his life!

Steve has an incredible sense of determination and optimism, and despite needing around-the-clock supplemental oxygen and facing severe fatigue, he continues to work at his job while waiting for a lung transplant. After undergoing extensive medical testing and evaluation to be accepted as a transplant candidate at Barnes Jewish Hospital, Steve and his girlfriend are hopeful for his future. He wants nothing less than to regain the adventurous, fun-loving life he has known; attending NASCAR races, Royals games, enjoying country music concerts, road trips on his Harley Davidson, and spending time with his eleven-year-old son.

A lung transplant is lifesaving, but often comes with a hefty price tag creating a very heavy financial burden. Even with health insurance, Steve faces very high out-of-pocket expenses that include co-pays and deductibles, lab fees, travel and lodging, and costly relocation expenses for at least three months to be closer to Barnes Hospital. Steve will also face high insurance deductibles, caregiver fees, and costly post-transplant medications to halt rejection that are needed for the rest of his life.

To help with the financial burden of Steve’s uninsured expenses, a fundraising campaign in his honor has been established with Help Hope Live, a trusted non-profit 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 Midwest/West Lung Transplant Fund, and are administered by Help Hope Live for transplant-related expenses only. Steve has chosen to fundraise with Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for donors. Donors can be sure that funds donated will be used only to pay or reimburse medically-related expenses. To make a donation to this fundraising campaign, please click on the yellow DONATE NOW button. For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.

If we all work together we can make Steve’s prospects for the future much brighter. Please know that your contribution counts. Thank you in advance for your prayers, support and generosity.

With sincere gratitude,

Geri Wood, Steve’s longtime girlfriend [email protected]