In April of 2014, I was diagnosed with Interstitial Lung Disease. There is no cure for this disease. When I left MUSC, after many hospital stays in November, I was given no hope and told to call in hospice services to prepare for the worst. Since then, I have worked incredibly hard, physically and mentally, to try and become a candidate for a lung transplant. All funds have been depleted that we saved for for so many years to travel to doctor appointments, pay for medications, hospital bills and the normal day to day expenses that pile up. This past week I was given the "maybe" for a lung transplant and was told to begin to prepare. We are currently waiting on two more tests and another doctor visit to determine if I will receive the "OK". In order to be accepted I have to have money up front, money for me and my husband to stay in Charleston for 3 months post surgery and to be able to keep  my bills paid while I am recovering. This is going to be the hardest part because my husband will have to quit his job to care for me leaving no income. The finance director at MUSC recommended that I establish this "Go Fund Me" account to show proof that we are making an effort to raise the money in case I get the "Call" I long to receive.

I know that the journey has been long and it is going to be longer and harder, but my faith and family keep me going and will be with me to the end.....

Thank you for your support!

Melissa Ridgeway