Aaron's Lung Transplant Journey

Thank you for coming here to learn more about how you can help Aaron Arce, who is in desperate need of a double lung transplant.

Aaron is a father, a husband, a brother, a brother-in-law, an uncle, a grandfather and a son. Aaron is also struggling to stay alive, and we pray to God you can help us save him.

In August 2021 Aaron was diagnosed with an occupational respiratory disease known as Silicosis. Silicosis Is an interstitial lung disease caused by breathing in tiny bits of silica, a common mineral found in many types of rock and soil. Over time, exposure to silica particles causes permanent lung scarring, called pulmonary fibrosis. This was due to extremely dangerous exposure to silica dust while working as a plant operator for 5 years. He wore a mask but was working in unsafe conditions to meet production quotas and keep his job. He submitted a claim to workers' compensation which was denied. It is common to deny while we prove our case. It is still in litigation to overturn the denial. In the meantime, Aaron is in pursuit of a double lung transplant.

In particularly severe cases of silicosis where lungs are elongated like Aaron’s the rib cage can be pushed against the heart and lungs, causing breathing problems and making it difficult for the heart to pump blood around the body. This can also increase the chances of lung infections, such as pneumonia, and lead to problems such as heart failure. Aaron’s case is severe. Without a lung transplant, his condition is life-threatening.

For Aaron, every single breath he takes is laboring. He is not able to take walks with his family or the family dog. His right lung collapsed in March 2022 and collapsed 4 other times following. He was hospitalized for 2 months at UCI Orange where he underwent 1 pleurodesis procedure that attempted to plug perforations in his lung, but it did not work. A blood patch procedure and talc procedure at the bedside failed. A final attempt to perform another pleurodesis (glued to chest wall) was successful. This could jeopardize a double lung transplant and make a single lung transplant the only option. Nonetheless, Aaron, his wife, kids, and extended family were all grateful.

He went home with oxygen tanks and an oxygen concentrator. He is on 5 liters of continuous oxygen through a nose cannula and uses a non-rebreather mask to pump 15 liters of oxygen into his lungs when he performs any activity that requires movement.

WHERE WE ARE NOW

“This past year I noticed I was really running short of breath more than normal,” says Aaron. “I was using my oxygen mask like I have never used it before. Normally, we all are breathing at 100% oxygen. But Aaron is breathing at 20% oxygen.

Aaron misses his old life as he cannot enjoy going out to eat, to the movies, to church, or to visit family and friends. He has to avoid physical exertions and crowds of people to keep his immune system in check.

Aaron has gone through dozens of tests at USC Keck Medicine ensuring that he is both in need of two new lungs and also that his body is ready to receive them.

In February 2023 USC Keck Medicine approved Aaron for a double lung transplant. Dr. Scott Atay is willing to perform a double lung transplant due to Aaron being young, strong and healthy everywhere else in his body.

WHAT’S NEXT

Aaron will be listed for a double lung transplant by March 30, 2023. When he’s alerted, he and his wife Therese will have 2 hours to get down to Keck Hospital. No small feat, given that Aaron doesn't drive, and his wife cannot drive freeways. The surgery will be anywhere from 6-10 hours at a minimum. The surgery could take longer because of the additional challenge of Aaron’s right lung being glued to his chest wall.

AFTER SURGERY

Once the double lung transplant takes place, Aaron will be opened up like a clamshell and on a heart and breathing machine. He will be in ICU for one week if everything goes well. He will have the life-support equipment keeping him breathing taken out when he wakes. He will be able to take a breath of fresh air for the first time since 2019.

He’ll begin the laborious work of rehab, walking on day two and then staying on another floor of the hospital for a week while adjusting his body to his new set of lungs in the form of monitored physical activity.

Afterward, Aaron will then be allowed to move to a nearby hotel or apartment for three months. His daily routine will include:

Taking 26 pills to keep the body from fighting the new lungs

Traveling daily to pulmonary rehab

Routine testing and blood are drawn to monitor and keep infections at bay.

Aaron will be accompanied by his wife, Therese. If Therese gets sick, Aaron’s Aunt Helen will take over the daily duties. The family is working hard on making a plan to ensure Aaron’s healing is at the center of daily activities.

“It is harder on the caretaker than it is on the patient,” Aaron says. “I am very thankful for the strength of my wife, Therese and our children, especially Jacob who takes good care of me when Therese is at work.”

THE URGENCY

Due to the grave condition of Aaron’s lungs. The surgeon anticipates Aaron will get the call for a double lung transplant in 1-2 months. Hence, the funds will be needed immediately as medical, travel and a few of the out-of-pocket medicines are expensive. After the surgery, the medicine alone will be up to $4,000 dollars a month (one prescription 14 day supply of Cresemba is $2000, not covered by insurance and needed every 2 weeks). Aaron does have medical insurance, but it is limited in its coverage.

Aaron and Therese need our help to make this surgery a reality, which will be a life-saving measure.

In addition to monetary donations, Aaron is asking for prayers and help with keeping his teenage daughter Brooke on track for her school schedule.

Aaron’s breathing capacity is worsening daily and is in a serious situation waiting for new lungs. Once he is officially placed on the transplant list, he and his wife will wait for the call. The normal wait time for lungs is 116 days once listed but the call could come earlier or later.

What’s important for us as his family and friends is to raise the necessary funds to make this surgery and recovery possible for Aaron.