My Husband Tom's Lung Transplant
Donation protected
Tom’s Testimonial
For those of you who don’t know me, I am Tom Yoskovich. I am 54 years old and I’m waiting for a double lung transplant. I have been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis- a little know disease which causes irreversible damage to the lungs.
Until about nine years ago, I was a very active person, working as a specialized carpenter, enjoying the outdoors, fishing in tournaments, and golfing.
Oddly enough, in April 2012, I stumbled upon what was causing my shortness of breath after taking my brother-in-law to the emergency room when his lung doctor asked me “how long had I had my lung problem”? I told him I was not aware that I had a problem and he said he could tell by looking at my fingers that were clubbed and the nails were curling in around my fingers. He wanted me to immediately call his office to make an appointment for the following day.
Fast forward to March 2014- this is when my health took a deep decline and I became so sick and I actually thought my life was coming to an end. After a month of seeing many specialists, it was finally concluded that I had become sepsis, but luckily was eventually able to bounce back.
By June 2014 I had become so short of breath I was attached to an oxygen tank that I had to lug around with me wherever I went – walking, sitting, sleeping, bathing.
In September 2014 I was back on deaths door and was told that oxygen was no longer sustaining me unless I was stationary, sitting or sleeping.
Currently my lungs are functioning at only 4% capacity and it has been determined that I have reached the “transplant window” which means that I am are sick enough to be eligible for transplant, but strong enough to go through surgery.
After my 1st visit with Duke Hospital which was an intense evaluation that begins the process to even be considered as a candidate, one of the people we met with was their financial coordinator, who in setting up a payment plan for us, discussed how we would need to go about raising money to help pay for medical expenses, cost of drugs to prevent organ rejection (that I will need to be on for the rest of my life), and living and traveling expenses.
It is really amazing to realize all that we take for granted until it has been taken from us. My wish is to be able to breathe without struggle so I can do the simplest things like.strolling through the woods, or go out fishing on a lake. I am hoping for a second chance at life and appreciate all that I have been given on this earth.
My wife and I want to express our deepest gratitude to all who are following our story on Facebook “10K for Tom”. our journey and thanks to anyone who has been moved to donate to help our cause. Please keep SHARING our journey
Ann’s testimonial
It is hard to belive that after 28 years of marriage, I am facing the possibility of losing my 54 year old husband to Pulmonary Fibrosis- a life threatning disease.
So the fight begins to do whatever it takes to save his life but I need a little help through the capable lung transplant doctors at Duke University hospital and YOU.
Your donation would help us afford unforeseen medical treatment, the cost of drugs to prevent organ rejection (which he will need monthly for the rest of his life), and living and travel expenses to temporarily relocate to be near the hospital for a minimum of 6 months.
All who know me, know how much Tom means to me and how determined I am to restore his health. We have FAITH, we have HOPE, we have LOVE, and we have YOU.
Please help me save “the LOVE of my life.”
How you can help donate is we have created a page dedicated to Tom’s cause on Facebook called “10k for Tom” and payments can be made through PayPal.
We are so thankfulto be surrounded by so many caring people who love and are happy to support us during this difficult time. May god shine down on you for all your kindness. Many thanks, Ann
For those of you who don’t know me, I am Tom Yoskovich. I am 54 years old and I’m waiting for a double lung transplant. I have been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis- a little know disease which causes irreversible damage to the lungs.
Until about nine years ago, I was a very active person, working as a specialized carpenter, enjoying the outdoors, fishing in tournaments, and golfing.
Oddly enough, in April 2012, I stumbled upon what was causing my shortness of breath after taking my brother-in-law to the emergency room when his lung doctor asked me “how long had I had my lung problem”? I told him I was not aware that I had a problem and he said he could tell by looking at my fingers that were clubbed and the nails were curling in around my fingers. He wanted me to immediately call his office to make an appointment for the following day.
Fast forward to March 2014- this is when my health took a deep decline and I became so sick and I actually thought my life was coming to an end. After a month of seeing many specialists, it was finally concluded that I had become sepsis, but luckily was eventually able to bounce back.
By June 2014 I had become so short of breath I was attached to an oxygen tank that I had to lug around with me wherever I went – walking, sitting, sleeping, bathing.
In September 2014 I was back on deaths door and was told that oxygen was no longer sustaining me unless I was stationary, sitting or sleeping.
Currently my lungs are functioning at only 4% capacity and it has been determined that I have reached the “transplant window” which means that I am are sick enough to be eligible for transplant, but strong enough to go through surgery.
After my 1st visit with Duke Hospital which was an intense evaluation that begins the process to even be considered as a candidate, one of the people we met with was their financial coordinator, who in setting up a payment plan for us, discussed how we would need to go about raising money to help pay for medical expenses, cost of drugs to prevent organ rejection (that I will need to be on for the rest of my life), and living and traveling expenses.
It is really amazing to realize all that we take for granted until it has been taken from us. My wish is to be able to breathe without struggle so I can do the simplest things like.strolling through the woods, or go out fishing on a lake. I am hoping for a second chance at life and appreciate all that I have been given on this earth.
My wife and I want to express our deepest gratitude to all who are following our story on Facebook “10K for Tom”. our journey and thanks to anyone who has been moved to donate to help our cause. Please keep SHARING our journey
Ann’s testimonial
It is hard to belive that after 28 years of marriage, I am facing the possibility of losing my 54 year old husband to Pulmonary Fibrosis- a life threatning disease.
So the fight begins to do whatever it takes to save his life but I need a little help through the capable lung transplant doctors at Duke University hospital and YOU.
Your donation would help us afford unforeseen medical treatment, the cost of drugs to prevent organ rejection (which he will need monthly for the rest of his life), and living and travel expenses to temporarily relocate to be near the hospital for a minimum of 6 months.
All who know me, know how much Tom means to me and how determined I am to restore his health. We have FAITH, we have HOPE, we have LOVE, and we have YOU.
Please help me save “the LOVE of my life.”
How you can help donate is we have created a page dedicated to Tom’s cause on Facebook called “10k for Tom” and payments can be made through PayPal.
We are so thankfulto be surrounded by so many caring people who love and are happy to support us during this difficult time. May god shine down on you for all your kindness. Many thanks, Ann
Organizer
Ann Cooper Yoskovich
Organizer
Knoxville, TN