My dad needs a lung transplant and we will need to relocate him to Phoenix for approximately 6 months, beginning September 1st. He has gone through rigorous testing and has been approved to go on the waiting list for a new lung, which is fantastic news! We will be going to Saint Joseph's Hospital, one of the busiest transplant centers in the nation. He will be required to stay for a minimum of 3 months post transplant in Phoenix, during which time he will be tested continuously for signs of possible rejection. My dad has Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, which is a fancy term for “we don’t know exactly why your lungs are scarring.” It is extremely rare and there are approximately 20 cases per 100,000. It may be from exposure to something toxic over time or could have been triggered by a drug reaction.  People with IPF will live 2-5 years after diagnosis, needing more and more oxygen to live. Life is extremely limited and a lung transplant is the only hope for a longer and better quality of life. I am trying to lessen the financial burden for him, so that he may focus on healing. Any amount will be greatly appreciated and we are so thankful to our friends and family that continue to help us through this. Please share by any means you can... social media, email, text, etc. PayPal and Venmo can also be used if you prefer ([email redacted]). Dad is a fighter and has a great attitude, but this whole process is overwhelming, scary, emotional, and exciting all at the same time. I will try to give updates as we go. Thanks to all for reading! 

Melissa 


Here’s Dad below a few years ago right after retirement. Let’s get him back to health!


Hospital website