Hi, my name is Rick McKinley and I have rapidly progressing Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. My Pulmonologist was not able to diagnose until Jan. of this year. Before that they had seen a few nodules in my lungs from the stupidity of smoking for 35yrs. I quit in late 2012, thought I'd quit in time but still developed COPD, slow progressing and was still able to exercise and work around the house. Then over the course of a few months my breathing became labored by minor activities till I was hospitalized a few days at a time in April and May of this year. My Dr. has said that because the progression is so rapid that my only option is a Double Lung Transplant. I have started the process of getting on the list at OHIO STATE WEXNER CENTER.
Medicare is paying for some but costs are greater than we can handle. I would like to use these donations to keep up with our normal bills and pay on the medical bills that are starting. My wife and I have been together for almost 30yrs. and never went behind on a bill. This is very hard on her and as soon as I receive the transplant we will have to stay in the Columbus , OH. area for about a month or two. Again, Insurance will pay some but not all.
My need is great because I would like to aggravate my Wife for another 10yrs or more. My need is urgent because some of these clinics and facilities that I need to go to do not give service till they get paid.
Your donations will keep me living. THANK YOU.
P.S. Any monies left over after successful transplant and recovery or Heaven Forbid, unsuccessful and funeral expense will be passed on to another needy lung transplant patient and we will make sure it is noted on this site.