Steve Needs Our Help!!

You can’t even fathom what COVID really is until it affects one of your loved ones.

Steve was an incredibly healthy 53-year-old man who did everything right; he ate healthily, worked out religiously, never smoked or used drugs and is a very light social drinker. Steve is friendly, fun-loving and a genuinely kind human being. He has been employed with UPS since 1987 and had a plan to retire within the next two years. Unfortunately, not all of our life's goals work out as we hope.

In February 2022, after returning from vacation, Steve became very sick. After several trips to the ER, Steve was finally admitted. Four days after being admitted to the ER, on February 22nd, Steve was transferred to the ICU, where he was intubated and diagnosed with the Delta variant, staph and bacterial pneumonia. Steve had to fight very hard to stay alive for the next several months. At one point, his parents received a call stating that Steve may only have a few days to live, but because of his mental strength and many prayers from family and friends, he was able to pull through. Steve is now completely trach and ventilator-dependent and desperate for new lungs.

On June 25th, Steve was transferred from Legacy Emanual to Stanford University, where he began his pre-surgical workups to ensure he was a good fit to receive a lung transplant, which was approved. Steve passed all of the tests and insurance has approved the transplant, so Steve is now fighting the waiting game for new lungs.

Steve is quite fortunate that he worked for a company with significant medical benefits, but the out-of-pocket costs of relocating and housing pre and post-transplant are unfortunately not covered by insurance. Currently, Steve is at Standford University alone with no friends or family. Steve's parents are hoping to raise enough money for them to be able to live in the Standford, CA area for 3-4 months post-transplant to be near the hospital. Steve's mother is working hard to figure out how they will afford to make all of this happen. Hopefully, Steve's wait for new lungs will not be long, but your continued love and support are critical factors in his mental and emotional well-being.

Our deepest appreciation goes out to everyone who is able to join in the fight for Steve's life. Many prayers of gratitude and blessings to you all.

Thank you so much,

Steve's family and biggest supporters!