Hello, Family, Friends and Friends of the Family and anyone else reading this story. My name is Peggie Romo Murillo. My youngest sister is Amy Patino. I’m here to share her story and the journey she is on.

My Sister, Amy Romo Patino is the youngest of 7 siblings. She is a 47 year old, a single Mom, to 3 very loving, young men, who are such a beautiful reflection of their mother. She is the Baby of all her brothers and sisters. She is a homeowner and dedicated employee. She is also a very, very sick woman. Amy has been diagnosed with Overlap Syndrome-Systemic Sclerosis with Reynolds and Myositis - heart inflammation (Scleroderma). Amy has been advised by her Heart Failure Team of Physicians at Mayo Clinic, that she is in need of a Heart And Lung transplant. Amy has been referred to the UCLA Medical Center. We are told this is where they will take care of both the Heart and the Lung transplants. This being said, life still happens everyday, bills need to be paid, food and utilities still need to be bought and paid for. Amy is currently on private long-term disability, that she pays for out of her own pocket. We all know that a Heart and Lung Transplant is not cheap (even with insurance) and with her team of doctors being in Los Angeles and Amy’s home being in Arizona, there will be new, additional medical and travel expenses.

We are reaching out to you, our Friends, our Family, our Loved Ones, and anyone who is willing to help us help Amy. Your Kindness, Your Prayers, Your Love, Your Blessings and Your Financial Generosity, are desperately needed and ever so greatly appreciated. No amount is too small, every cent helps. Also, every share of this GoFundMe page makes a huge difference to help us get this out to as many caring hearts as possible. SO, PLEASE SHARE THIS GOFUNDME to your social media. Also, any ideas that you can share with us to raise additional funds would also be greatly appreciated.

Her mortgage, of course, is still due the 1st of each month. The upcoming travel and medical expenses and everything else that goes hand in hand with this journey will be costly. Please consider donating to Amy and please do not forget to share this to your social media.

On behalf of Amy and her immediate and extended families, we Thank You in advance for your Love, Prayers and Generous Contribution.

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According to available data, the average cost of a combined heart and lung transplant can exceed $1 million dollars, with estimates often ranging between $1.2 million and $2.6 million depending on complications and length of stay in the hospital; this cost includes surgery, post-transplant care, and medications.

Key points about heart-lung transplant costs:

High cost:

Due to the complex nature of the surgery and extensive post-transplant care, a heart-lung transplant is one of the most expensive organ transplant procedures.

Insurance coverage:

Most health insurance plans cover a significant portion of the transplant cost, but out-of-pocket expenses can still be substantial.

Factors affecting cost:

The total cost can vary depending on the hospital, geographic location, length of stay, complications during surgery, and required post-transplant medications.