Medical expense relief
Donation protected
Please share Ken's story!
COPD took his breath away…
Your gift will make it easier to breathe
I’m starting this GoFundMe for my sister Connie and her husband Ken who are in need of your help. Connie and Ken will be married 39 years in September. They have 4 children and 10 grandchildren.
Ken was diagnosed with COPD in 2012. After years of medical treatments and lifestyle changes it was determined that a double lung transplant was necessary as Ken’s health deteriorated. Once you have met specific qualifying criteria, you’ll be placed on a waiting list. The emotional toll of waiting for an organ donor is difficult. You need to have your bags packed well in advance because notice that organs are available could come at any time.
On May 10th the wait was over. At approximately 10:30 pm Ken received a call from the Richard DeVos Heart & Lung Transplant clinic in Grand Rapids, Michigan that a donor had become available. They immediately grabbed their bags and made the 2-½ hour drive to the clinic. The next day on May 11th Ken underwent the 11 hour double lung transplant. His surgery was a success! They are so thankful to the organ donor and to the awesome team of doctors, nurses, and staff at Richard DeVos Heart and Lung clinic in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Ken was the 196th lung transplant at the clinic.
Unfortunately, due to the Coronavirus, Connie was alone in the waiting room during Ken’s surgery and could only see him briefly once he was in the recovery room. Hospital procedures prohibit visitors. Ken continues to recover alone at the hospital in Grand Rapids and Connie returned home to Traverse City. She is able to talk to Ken and his doctor(s) and she gives updates on his progress to our family. Our family also receives group text messages from them both.
As Ken’s recovery continues to improve, and he finishes his physical and occupational therapy Connie will be able to travel back to Grand Rapids to see and stay with him. Once there, they will need to stay in Grand Rapids for approximately 30 days while Ken visits the clinic at least 3 times a week for labs and other testing.
Why are we asking for money?
Healing and recovery after a complicated surgery is stressful enough without worrying about how will you pay for it all. The money raised here will be used for medical expenses, prescription drugs, travel and out-of-town living expenses that their insurance does not cover. Any amount no matter how small will help!
Please share our campaign and follow our regular updates. You can also donate to Ken by clicking on the “Learn More” button to access to his GoFundMe page.
COPD took his breath away…
Your gift will make it easier to breathe
I’m starting this GoFundMe for my sister Connie and her husband Ken who are in need of your help. Connie and Ken will be married 39 years in September. They have 4 children and 10 grandchildren.
Ken was diagnosed with COPD in 2012. After years of medical treatments and lifestyle changes it was determined that a double lung transplant was necessary as Ken’s health deteriorated. Once you have met specific qualifying criteria, you’ll be placed on a waiting list. The emotional toll of waiting for an organ donor is difficult. You need to have your bags packed well in advance because notice that organs are available could come at any time.
On May 10th the wait was over. At approximately 10:30 pm Ken received a call from the Richard DeVos Heart & Lung Transplant clinic in Grand Rapids, Michigan that a donor had become available. They immediately grabbed their bags and made the 2-½ hour drive to the clinic. The next day on May 11th Ken underwent the 11 hour double lung transplant. His surgery was a success! They are so thankful to the organ donor and to the awesome team of doctors, nurses, and staff at Richard DeVos Heart and Lung clinic in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Ken was the 196th lung transplant at the clinic.
Unfortunately, due to the Coronavirus, Connie was alone in the waiting room during Ken’s surgery and could only see him briefly once he was in the recovery room. Hospital procedures prohibit visitors. Ken continues to recover alone at the hospital in Grand Rapids and Connie returned home to Traverse City. She is able to talk to Ken and his doctor(s) and she gives updates on his progress to our family. Our family also receives group text messages from them both.
As Ken’s recovery continues to improve, and he finishes his physical and occupational therapy Connie will be able to travel back to Grand Rapids to see and stay with him. Once there, they will need to stay in Grand Rapids for approximately 30 days while Ken visits the clinic at least 3 times a week for labs and other testing.
Why are we asking for money?
Healing and recovery after a complicated surgery is stressful enough without worrying about how will you pay for it all. The money raised here will be used for medical expenses, prescription drugs, travel and out-of-town living expenses that their insurance does not cover. Any amount no matter how small will help!
Please share our campaign and follow our regular updates. You can also donate to Ken by clicking on the “Learn More” button to access to his GoFundMe page.
Co-organizers (3)
Michelle Rose
Organizer
Coraopolis, PA
Kenneth Kouchnerkavich
Beneficiary
Cathy Schaub Kempa
Co-organizer