Steven Bahm

PLEASE HELP STEVEN CONTINUE TO BREATHE FREELY!

In 2017, at age 47, a chest X-ray showed scar tissue formation. Steve was a non-smoker his whole life and he didn’t understand why he was having lung issues.

A lung biopsy revealed a scar pattern that did not match any known pattern of interstitial lung disease, so Steve was diagnosed with Cryptogenic Organizing Pneumonia. His health remained mostly stable until he became infected with COVID-19 in February 2020 and began experiencing hypoxia issues which required him to be on 1-2 liters of oxygen at home which increased to 20 liters over the next 2 years.

In the Spring of 2022, he started to decline rapidly and was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, doctors said a double-lung transplant was critical to his survival. Thankfully, after only 8 days on the transplant list, Steve received his lung transplant on July 7, 2022! Steve’s faith and love for God were only strengthened beyond measure by the gift of extended life he was given.

Words cannot express Steve’s gratitude for his donor and their family. He tries to honor his donor by laughing, loving, and living joyfully daily. He is thankful to be surrounded by a strong support system during such a challenging time.

His wife of over 24 years, Gretchen, and their two children, Alison and Brendan, along with family and friends have been by his side every step of the way providing much-needed love and encouragement. While it has been very difficult for Steve and Gretchen, these circumstances have also brought them closer together, strengthened their trust in each other, and given them perspective on what matters most in life.

Steve recently celebrated the Second Anniversary of his transplant, a huge milestone for him. He is doing good and continues to make progress every day but it takes continuous hard work. Steve is so grateful to be able to do simple things again like taking his dog for a walk, doing things around the house, and helping his wife and children with everyday activities, but right now, he needs your help.

Unfortunately, Steve’s new life comes at a very high price.

The average double-lung transplant costs more than $1 million. And that is only the beginning. Even though the transplant has already taken place, and health insurance has covered most of the cost of the transplant, he faces significant expenses related to the surgery.

For the rest of his life, he will need follow-up care and daily anti-rejection medications. Post-transplant medications are costly, and they’re as critical to his survival as the transplant itself. There are also side effects to the medications that require additional medical and prescription care which also has a cost.

Steve and Gretchen live more than 140 miles from his transplant center and must travel back and forth for evaluations, doctor’s appointments, and bronchoscopies. At times they need to stay near the hospital incurring substantial expenses for travel, food, and lodging, adding to the financial strain.

Family and friends of Steven Bahm are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with transplantation.

Steven has chosen to fundraise for Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for contributors. Contributors can be sure donations will be used to pay or reimburse medical and related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the GIVE button. Please share Steve’s page on your social media platforms. Every donation helps!

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

Thank you for your support!