Willie Smith

Willie’s life was thrown a curve ball when he was diagnosed with Sarcoidosis five years ago. Even though he has been diagnosed, Sarcoidosis has been a threat to his life but a mystery to him and relatives battling with this condition. “In the area of etiopathogenesis, studies now show a better understanding of the immune response that leads to the disease as well as genetic factors that modify both the risk for the disease and its clinical outcome.” Even with his constant high spirits, Willie’s condition is quickly deteriorating. He has been told that his only chance at survival is to have a lung transplant.

Willie was born and raised in the Sunshine State of Florida. He attended McArthur High School where he showcased his talent on the wrestling team. Later he moved to North Port to be closer to his parents. There he met his wife of eight years and his step-daughter. Willie worked for the City of Hollywood and the City of North Port Utilities Divisions for nearly 20 years. God has blessed with him and Clearetha with a son who is now seven years old. Willie hopes that after his transplant he will be able to pick up where he left off and continue to support his daughter’s theatre shows and his son’s love of basketball. Additionally, he hopes to find time to fish, spend time with his wife and having family cookouts. Willie also wants to spread awareness for Sarcoidosis — the curing, caring, and challenges.

Even with insurance Willie will have many uninsured transplant-related expenses such as: co-pays and deductibles, doctor visits, travel to and from the transplant center and the costly anti-rejection medications that he will need to take for the rest of his life. Willie is going to need your help to with his road to recovery

To help with the financial burden of Willie’s uninsured expenses, a fundraising campaign in his 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 Southeast Lung Transplant Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for transplant-related expenses only. Please consider a contribution today and click the DONATE NOW bar.

Thanks for all of the prayers, thoughtfulness, support and contributions on the behalf of Willie. Make sure to keep a watchful eye on the website for upcoming fundraising events. With your help, we can make the road to Willie’s recovery much brighter!

With much appreciation,
Clearetha Smith
[email protected]