Hi, my name is Andrea Raila, and I am working with Austin, 25, who grew up for many summers with my kids, Christopher, Reah, and Rianna, along the beautiful Rock River in Ogle County, IL where we had a summer home.

Our dear friend, Sharon Schroder, who lives in Oregon, IL, about 2 hours from Chicago, is getting prepared for a double lung/kidney transplant. Scary for a mom, 56, her only son, Austin, who lost his 58-year-old dad in December 2024.

Sharon’s lung/kidney transplant will be done at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. She is required to live within a 20-minute commute to the hospital for 3 months. We have found a studio apartment for her long recovery. But Sharon, like all who have to undergo double organ transplants, will need 24/7 care.

Sharon needs to undergo dozens of medical tests and keep up with a busy schedule of therapy and medical appointments until she is matched with a new kidney and lungs.

While medical insurance will likely cover some of the medical bills, there are expenses that are not covered by insurance. She will have to pay parking and other travel costs to medical appointments, insurance co-pays that are expected to become huge expenses because of the number of appointments & tests, and endure some 30 medications required at very specific times. She needs supplemental caretakers and legal and estate advice.

Sharon's household expenses of groceries, property taxes, mortgage payments, home insurance, utilities, and overdue repairs concern her since she can no longer work. It is hard to predict exactly how much money she will need to get through the toughest year of her life. Our goal is $12,000 and anything you can give is greatly appreciated.

“Having this lung/kidney transplant will allow me to be healthy again. To live life and enjoy every single day without having difficulties breathing, being on oxygen 24/7, walking, and doing simple tasks. I want to show my son that in spite of the difficulties we have faced, I want to fight to stay well because life is fragile for us all but worth never giving up hope. I’m so grateful for my family, friends, and the wonderful medical care at Chicago’s Northwestern Hospital.” Sharon