Emily Progin, PR and Communications Coordinator
eprogin@helphopelive.org / 800.642.8399
MARCH 23 FUNDRAISER TO HELP LOCAL MOM AND VETERAN GET NEW LUNGS
Julie Posey’s Double Lung Transplant Could Cost $1.3 Million Before Insurance
CINCINNATI, Ohio—On Wednesday, March 23, starting at 4 p.m., the community will come together for food, drinks, and good company at Homemaker’s Bar (39 E 13th Street in Cincinnati) to show their support for Cincy native Julie Posey, who is fundraising for the cost of a life-changing double-lung transplant. Food and drink proceeds (including a special cocktail) will benefit the nonprofit Help Hope Live in Julie’s honor to offset critical transplant expenses.
In 2016, Julie was diagnosed with myositis, an incurable and rare autoimmune disorder that began to severely damage the tissue of her lungs. She went from breathing independently to being completely dependent on oxygen within a year. Julie soon learned that a double-lung transplant would be her only hope of survival.
Julie is a loving mother of four and grandma of six. She grew up in College Hill and joined the Air Force. While living in the Bay Area of California as part of the Air Force Reserve, she changed lives through her HIV community outreach and patient care. She moved back to Cincinnati more than 25 years ago, and she continues to serve the community locally, contributing to meaningful nonprofit causes ranging from child hunger to racial equity.
“The process of a lung transplant is an all-hands-on-deck situation,” family members explained. The transplant recovery process will require extensive 24-hour-per-day caregiving, temporary relocation, and regular transportation for follow-up. All of these transplant necessities and others have a high pricetag: in fact, Milliman estimates the average cost of a lung transplant can exceed $1.3 million before insurance.
That’s why Julie and her community have turned to Help Hope Live, a national nonprofit that specializes in medical fundraising for transplants. Access Julie’s fundraising page at: https://helphopelive.org/campaign/19584/
Proceeds from the March 23 Homemaker’s Bar fundraiser will go directly to the nonprofit in Julie’s honor to help with transplant-related expenses. For additional info on the event, contact Kendall Holmes at 347.907.0792 or klholmes81@gmail.com
The fundraising campaign has already raised $6,600 towards Julie’s $25,000 initial goal.
Can’t attend? Make a donation at any time online at https://helphopelive.org/campaign/19584/ or learn how else you can get involved by calling 800.642.8399.
Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law, and all funds raised will be managed by the nonprofit to cover verified medical and related expenses. Help Hope Live verifies medical and financial need for every patient.
Help Hope Live is a national nonprofit that specializes in engaging communities in secure, tax-deductible fundraising campaigns for people who need a transplant or are affected by a catastrophic injury or illness. Since 1983, campaigns organized by Help Hope Live have raised over $158 million to pay patient expenses. ###
Written by Emily Progin
