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Missoula man, woman speak out in hopes of getting kidney transplant surgery out-of-state

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Jeannie Lewis

Jeannie Lewis

“Montana residents in need of an organ transplant must travel out of state because the state doesn’t have a medical facility to do those surgeries.”

52-year-old Jerri “Jeannie” Lewis is among the 141 Montana residents waiting for a kidney. Like most kidney transplant candidates, she is facing a significant out-of-pocket commitment to bring the gift of life within reach. Living in a rural area means even more barriers to transplant – and even more critical expenses.

In her case, a kidney transplant will require receiving the transplant, recovering, and pursuing ongoing follow-up care post-transplant out-of-state. So far, she has raised $8,600 towards her initial $10,000 goal with Help Hope Live.

“I have got a whole life to live. And I’m ready to live it. And I would hate to think that money could keep me from living.”

Written by Emily Progin