Andrew Zimmerman's Double Lung Transplant

I am asking for your help to assist someone who has done so much for our community and now needs critical, lifesaving care. I am working with a group of family and friends to organize a benefit fundraiser to help Andrew Zimmerman cover the financial burden of a double lung transplant.

What if you were living on borrowed time?

Andrew has been diagnosed with Usual Interstitial Pneumonia (UIP). His lung function has deteriorated quickly, and now doctors say a double lung transplant is necessary. While awaiting his transplant, Andrew is beginning to rely on the use of oxygen.

Andrew has spent the last 20+ years ensuring the public safety of the City of Erie. He has worked tirelessly to ensure that the public and private buildings of Erie are safe and secure for its occupants and visitors. For nearly a decade, he has been the driving force for Barber Beast on the Bay, an annual obstacle course challenge that has become a major fundraiser for the Baber National Institute. Andrew donates countless hours throughout the entire year to lead a team in designing, constructing, and installing 30 obstacles along a ten-mile course at Presque Isle State Park. Andrew's real love is working on a one-mile adapted course that has become a great source of pride and enjoyment for children and adults with physical and intellectual disabilities. Andrew has used his construction skills to help so many people and causes.

During such a challenging time, Andrew is thankful for his wife, Lisa, their two daughters, Emily and Erica, and friends. He wishes they did not have to be so concerned about his health, but he is grateful for their love and support. Before his condition began to decline, Andrew enjoyed playing golf, wood working, playing with his grandson Andrew, hunting, and doing projects around his home, but these days, his activities are quite limited. Andrew looks forward to being well enough to enjoy life again. More than anything, he wants the ability to be active again, and spend many more years with his loved ones, but right now, he needs your help.

Unfortunately, Andrew’s hope for a new life comes at a very high price.

The average double lung transplant costs more than $1 million. And that is only the beginning. Even with health insurance, which will cover the cost of the transplant, he faces significant expenses related to the surgery. For the rest of his life, he will need follow-up care and daily anti-rejection medications. Post-transplant medications are very expensive, and they are as critical to his survival as the transplant itself.

Andrew lives over 130 miles from the transplant center, and he incurs substantial expenses each time he visits for evaluations and doctors’ appointments. Andrew and Lisa will need to make several trips back and forth to the hospital leading up to his transplant for appointments and testing. When he receives his transplant, Andrew and Lisa will need to stay near the hospital, during recovery, adding to the financial strain.

Transplantation is a community effort. Patients need the support of their communities to overcome the physical, emotional, and financial challenges they face.