Rosemarie's "Sarge" medical fund

My name is Maria (Mia) Fernandes. I am a retired educator who is now volunteering at one of the local hospitals in Bethlehem, PA. I met Rosemarie "Sarge" Brugger several months ago when I started to volunteer at St. Luke's Hospital. Since then, I have learned a lot about Sarge's service to her community, not only at St. Luke's, but at Mercy Hospital in Scranton, PA  where she had volunteered for a number of years. She continues to bring a warm and friendly smile to all with whom she comes in contact. She is especially drawn to those who are terminally ill and to those who are in the depth of suffering either physically or emotionally. One handicap hinders her complete communication with the "patients." Sarge is a 21 year survivor of stage 4 throat cancer. Multiple surgeries have left her unable to speak without using a microphone. As you may know, when using a microphone to speak, it is difficult to sustain a lengthy conversation and/or talk on a phone among other things. NOW there is hope! a voicebox transplant which will enable her to speak once again using her own voice! A doctor in St. Louis, Missouri has successfully performed this procedure. I am seeking funds to help Sarge get to St. Louis for a consultation and hopefully to fund her surgery and medical expenses. Funding is needed for airfares, hotel stays, hospital and medical expenses. Thank you in advance for your generosity.