35-Year-Old with Rare Illness Needs Help to Get Transplant

Emily Progin, PR and Communications Coordinator

eprogin@helphopelive.org / 800.642.8399

Release: Immediate

35-YEAR-OLD WITH RARE ILLNESS NEEDS HELP TO GET TRANSPLANT

Porscha Levy Needs Financial Help to Qualify for a Life-Saving Double-Lung Transplant

HOUSTON, TEXAS—35-year-old Porscha Levy has found an incredible source of hope as she lives with the impact of an ultra-rare and progressive illness that scars her lungs: she has qualified to be listed for a life-changing double-lung transplant at Mt. Sinai in New York. To relocate from Houston to New York for the transplant opportunity, she needs financial help—the cost of relocation is not covered by insurance. That’s why she’s fundraising through the trusted national nonprofit Help Hope Live. Her generous community raised $2,000 in the first 24 hours of her outreach to help fund Porscha’s new hope for a brighter, healthier future.

Five years ago, Porscha was diagnosed with scleroderma, an extremely rare diagnosis with no cure that scars her lungs and limits her capabilities. The diagnosis has left Porscha with extreme fatigue, body pains, and a failing heart. She relies on a wheelchair, supplemental oxygen, and a 24/7 intravenous medical pump to receive a highly specific range of medications every 48 hours.

Despite every obstacle and challenge, Porscha and her husband, Marshaun, have consistently chosen hope and faith over negativity.

Until September 2023, Porscha did not have many options for improving her future prognosis. That’s when a team of medical professionals at Mt. Sinai in New York agreed to give her the chance of a healthier future through a double-lung transplant.

The transplant will give Porscha a new chance at the things many people take for granted, including mobility, medical stability, and independence—and the chance to keep making beautiful memories with her loved ones.

However, medical relocation to New York for the transplant will be an extreme financial burden that is not covered by insurance. That’s why Porscha is fundraising with the nonprofit Help Hope Live. Donations can be made at: https://helphopelive.org/campaign/21178/

When Porscha announced the opportunity to relocate for the transplant, her community responded with immense generosity and support: the campaign raised $2,000 to assist with medical relocation in just the first 24 hours.

Unlike a GoFundMe campaign, donations to Help Hope Live 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 $172 million to pay patient expenses. ###