Dear fellow Southern Illinoisans, we need your help. George Lennon, a long-time native of the area. George was diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis. We are looking for donations to help the family with their medical expenses. This disease is a chronic and progressive lung disease that is not curable. He started his journey to get on the lung transplant list at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis on the first of 2022.

George went through countless testing trips back and forth to St. Louis to get on the list. He has had to have oxygen 24/7 for several months. If you know George, this was not his plan for his and Jan’s retirement. Jan has been by his side, doing whatever she could to comfort him during tough times.

On August 26th, great news, moving forward! As of today, George is on the double lung transplant list. It is a massive journey for George and Jan. It could have taken years, months, weeks, or days to get that phone call that they had received a donor.

On August 31st, the call was received that they had received a donor’s lungs and were ready to move forward. On September 1st, George headed to surgery; surgery like this usually takes 8-10 hours. They finished two hours earlier than expected. Praise God and all the prayer warriors that are sending up prayers.

George was doing exceptionally well but has had a few setbacks and is back in ICU. I can’t stress enough that we need continued prayers. He was having trouble with his heart rhythm, and they thought it best to return to the ICU unit. They shocked his heart, and he seemed to be doing better. They had to place a tube through his nose because of stomach problems. Just a hard day for him.

George and Jan will have to stay in St. Louis for three months to keep a close eye on him. This is very difficult for anyone having to pack up and leave your home.

George coached ball for many years, supported his son’s baseball, and helped in so many ways instill so many great values in this community of young adults. He is a husband, father, stepdad, grandfather, brother and friend to many in the community.

Thanks for your support!