Jerome Phillips

My name is Jerome “BoBo” Phillips, and I am sharing my story because I am fighting for my life and for the opportunity to breathe freely again.

In 2018, I first found out that I had COPD. Before my diagnosis, I loved riding my bike and staying active. I could ride my bike without thinking twice about my breathing. But eventually, I started noticing that something wasn’t right. My breath kept getting shorter, shorter, and shorter.

I knew something was wrong, so I began going back and forth to the doctor. They ran test after test trying to figure out what was happening. At first, they thought the problem could be related to my heart. After more testing, I was eventually referred back and forth to different doctors, including lung specialists.

From 2018 all the way through 2024, I continued dealing with breathing problems and numerous COPD flare-ups. There were good days, but there were also many difficult days when simply trying to breathe became a struggle.

In June 2024, my condition reached a point where I was placed on oxygen. Oxygen helped me breathe, but it didn’t stop the flare-ups. I have also been prescribed numerous inhalers throughout this journey. Some helped for a while, while others simply didn’t work for me.

I continued fighting and trying everything my doctors recommended because I wanted to keep going. I wanted to live. I wanted to be able to do the things that once came so easily to me.

Then came November 2025.

I underwent my first small valve procedure to try to help improve my breathing. Unfortunately, the relief only lasted about a month and a half. After that, the flare-ups returned, and I continued struggling with my breathing.

By March 2026, I had to return to the hospital for a larger valve procedure. I was hoping this procedure would give me more lasting relief and allow me to breathe better.

Unfortunately, that relief only lasted about three weeks.

After years of doctor visits, testing, medications, inhalers, oxygen, flare-ups, procedures, hospital visits, and fighting to breathe, I am now facing the reality that I need something more.

In July 2026, I traveled to Duke to begin the process of pursuing a double lung transplant.

Making that trip was a major moment in my journey. After everything I had been through, I finally reached the point where a lung transplant became the next step toward giving me another chance at life.

This transplant isn’t just about getting new lungs. For me, it is about getting another opportunity at life.

It is about being able to wake up and breathe without constantly wondering when the next flare-up will come. It is about having the chance to regain some independence. It is about being able to make memories with my loved ones and experience life without every breath being a struggle.

My Goal: $20,000

I am asking for help raising $20,000 to assist with the many expenses that come with this transplant journey.

There are costs beyond the medical procedure itself, including transportation, travel, lodging, medications, appointments, recovery expenses, and everyday needs while I focus on getting through this process.

I never imagined that I would have to ask people for help in this way. But I also know that I cannot do this alone.

Every donation, no matter how big or small, will make a difference.

If you cannot donate, please consider sharing my campaign with your family, friends, coworkers, church family, and anyone else who may be willing to help. Your prayers, encouragement, and support mean just as much.

Thank you for reading my story, supporting me, sharing my campaign, praying for me, and believing in me.

One breath at a time. One day at a time. One step closer to a new beginning.

— Jerome “BoBo” Phillips