Kevin O'Connor Lung Transplant

We are grateful to God that my dad has been accepted and listed for double lung transplant at Methodist Hospital in Houston. Many know and recognize my dad through his involvement in the Shelby County Community either through church involvement, as a volunteer fireman, as a coach or leader with the girls softball league or possibly you recognize him as your plumber.  All of these areas and many more have been a true passion for the last 10-12 years.  If you know my dad, you know whatever he commits to, he gives it his all.

 

For the past 6 years, my dad has battled various health conditions caused by a misdiagnosed heart attack.  In November he was diagnosed with ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) which consists of Pulmonary Fibrosis and emphysema.  Pulmonary fibrosis is a condition where the lung tissue becomes thickened, stiff and scarred which makes breathing very difficult for him but also prevents his lungs from transferring oxygen to the rest of his body affecting his other major organs.  There is no cure or treatment for this condition.  My dad is very fortunate to be in really great health otherwise, that after over 6 months of testing, he has finally been accepted by the transplant group. 

 

To be listed with the transplant group, it is required that he is no more than 3 hours from the hospital and has had to temporarily relocate to Houston until released once he receives transplant.  What a great honor and blessing to be a recipient of such a wonderful gift.   We do recognize however that  the expenses of being away from home and medical bills continue to come in.  We ask for your continued prayers but also any donations, large or small to help my mom and dad during this time.

Thank you once again for the continued prayers and blessings.

Kayla Huffman