Rhonda Renee James

Family and friends of Rhonda James are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with a transplant. Rhonda has chosen to fundraise with Help Hope Live in part because donations are tax deductible for contributors and will only be used to cover medical and related expenses.

Rhonda is a 51-year-old mother and grandmother who loves spending time with her family, especially her two grandchildren. She has always enjoyed being active with family and friends, but recently she has had to cut back on many activities due to shortness of breath, swelling in her legs and feet, and fatigue.

To manage her health, Rhonda takes medication, follows a low-sodium diet, and carefully monitors her fluid intake. She is currently being evaluated for a double lung transplant.

Family means everything to Rhonda. She enjoys taking her grandchildren to the park and movies, attending cookouts, festivals, and concerts, and spending quality time with loved ones. She is also active in her church community, attending Sunday services and church functions whenever she is able.

Rhonda has been diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension (PH) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). These conditions make everyday activities, such as running errands, walking long distance, and attending social events, increasingly difficult due to shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling. Although she remains independent, there are times when she needs assistance with household chores and must take frequent breaks to rest.

As Rhonda prepares for her transplant journey, she faces significant financial challenges. She will need to relocate closer to the transplant center and remain nearby for approximately three months after her hospital discharge. In addition, she will be responsible for co-insurance, copays, and other transplant-related expenses. Her transplant team has estimated these out-of-pocket costs to be approximately $15,000.

Rhonda believes a lung transplant will give her the opportunity to regain a sense of normalcy and enjoy the activities she loves once again. She looks forward to attending festivals, concerts, and family gatherings, as well as traveling and embracing new adventures with her loved ones.

How You Can Help

Please consider donating to Help Hope Live in honor of Rhonda and sharing her story with family and friends. We would also love to organize fundraising events to support her transplant journey. If you would like to help coordinate a fundraiser or learn more about ways to support Rhonda, please contact her daughter at [email protected].

Thank you for your generosity, prayers, and support during this important time in Rhonda’s life.