Jamie’s double lung transplant

We are Baylee and Taylor Mayoh. We are here to help our parents, James (Jamie) and Kristine Mayoh, with the financial burden that will come along with our newest journey. This money will go directly towards future medical bills and travel costs for our dad, Jamie, in hopes the treatment he receives will give him some extra time with us. 

For many years no one outside of immediate family knew our dad was sick. Growing up we never knew getting IV medication every other week wasn’t normal. But, as we got older, we found out how limited his time likely was. 

Growing up with a terminally ill parent wasn’t easy. We never knew how much time we had left, we never knew if he would be there for the big moments, and we never thought we would see our dad get a chance at a “normal” life. But a few weeks ago everything changed. We got a phone call- our dad was approved for a double lung transplant. 

For 50 years our dad has had to do more to stay alive than the average person. He has a  rare immune deficiency which leaves him vulnerable, even to something like the common cold. So when he was diagnosed with COPD in his early 40’s we knew this would be a losing battle. We have watched our dad push himself to the limits. He never let the disease control him. He still did all of our handy work, traveled the world with us, and showed up no matter how sick he felt. 

But ultimately the disease wins, and as it’s progressed, the disease has taken away his ability to do the things he wants. 

After treating this disease for a few years with his doctors in Utah, eventually they told him there was nothing else they could do. So, he started seeing specialists in Denver. After 5 years with them it was decided his lungs were nearing the end and a transplant would be the only hope. He went through an intense evaluation (full of painful and exhausting medical procedures), but he was told his case “was more complicated than usual and the quality of life he would get wasn’t good enough for the risk” and he was denied. We were devastated, but our dad didn’t give up. He found a new team of doctors in Arizona. This team of doctors has the understanding of his immune deficiency and the specialists he needs for his complications. He went through with another intense evaluation and finally- we got the answer we wanted. A chance for new lungs. 

Watching your loved one slowly lose their ability to do simple daily activities, like tie their shoes without running out of breath, is heartbreaking. If the surgery is successful, our dad would be able to do these simple daily tasks and more. He may not need to be tied to oxygen therapy 24/7. And he may get to be there for a few more big moments. 

Our parents will be moving to Phoenix in the next few weeks. Once there, our dad will be listed and surgery will happen whenever they have a match. If the surgery is successful we could get another few years with our dad, we desperately want this time with him. 

If you know our parents you know they would never ask for help- especially financial help. They have never asked for money from anyone, but our dad will need to go on long-term disability in order to heal properly. This will cut his pay significantly. The only thing we want our dad worrying about is his health. Between moving to a different state, the surgery, check ups, medications etc. there will be enough stress, and money should be the last thing on our parents minds. We can’t do much, but we hope this can lift a small portion of the weight they are carrying. 

If you are able to donate, we can’t thank you enough. 

If you’re not able to donate, please think positively for our dad at this time. Whether that’s by talking to the universe, praying, manifesting-whatever you do, we appreciate it more than you know. 

We love you all, and we couldn’t do this without all the love and support! 

Thank you. -Baylee & Taylor Mayoh