My name is Charles, and I am living with a rare genetic condition called Alpha-1 Antitrypsin deficiency COPD, a lung disease that has changed my life in ways I never expected. I began experiencing shortness of breath and had to limit my activities just to keep up with daily life, and it took years before I finally found a doctor who could diagnose my condition. I am 1 of 10,000 Americans diagnosed with Alpha-1. Since 2012, I have paid my insurance deductible in full every year, and my medications are very expensive (18,000/month). With the costs of hospital bills, medications, and three months spent in the hospital since 2022 have drained my retirement savings. The St. Luke's Lung Transplant Team has determined that a double lung transplant is necessary, and I need money for insurance, medications, and daily living during recovery. Thank you for anything you are able to donate.

My doctors have told me to plan on being out of work for at least 12 months. My hope is to recover and be there for my wife and children. This procedure will give us a new outlook on life, and your support means the world to me and my family. Thank you for helping us through this journey.