Ron has a very serious and rare disease labeled Pulmonary Fibrosis.  This is a serious lung disease in which the lung tissue becomes thickened, stiff and scarred. The scar tissue is called fibrosis and prevents oxygen from getting into the blood stream. There is no known cause but it is very serious and acts very quickly.  In November 2015, Ron had a biopsy on his lungs that determined he had a severe case of pulmonary fibrosis.  After his biopsy, his health declined rapidly.  He is reliant on almost 100% O2 (in other words, he cannot breathe or move on his own).  After being denied by two other hospitals for a lung transplant, on Tuesday, May 24, 2016, Ron was accepted onto the transplant list at Loyola University in Chicago. His condition is so poor that he was moved to the top of the transplant list (#1!!!).  Meanwhile, his wife, Justine, has to pay to stay in Chicago in a one room apartment while we await his transplant and recovery.  Ron will have to stay in Chicago (also in the apartment) for at least two months after transplant.  On June 1, 2016 at 6:30a.m. Ron went into surgery for his bilateral lung transplant.  This is a very invasive surgery and this has been beyond a trying time for his entire family.  We ask that you help in any way possible, with any donations, to help the family pay for any left over hospital bills/room and board.  This is extremely important to a family struggling to keep their head above water while fighting for their dad, husband, brother, grandfather, and so much more.  We need this.  And we thank you for anything you are able to help with.