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Help David breathe a little easier - IPF

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Just as COVID hit, we found out David has Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. A rare, debilitating, progressive, fatal lung disease with NO CURE.  The average life expectancy is 2 to 5 years!!! Not much is know about it or the cause. Only that it causes permanent scarring/ fibrosis . Progressively hardening the lungs.  Making it more and more difficult to breathe.  Causing a loss of oxygen to the body / organs and an increasing strain on the heart. THERE IS NO CURE. IPF is the MOST AGGRESSIVE & UNPREDICTABLE type of Pulmonary Fibrosis. The only possibility to improve the quality of his life & hopefully add a few more years, is a double lung transplant.  Which is not a cure, but a treatment.  It's a MAJOR surgery and that is just the beginning of the battle.  Lung transplants are extremely risky due to the fact that our lungs are always being exposed to - everything in the air.  Tiny particles of dust, germs, fumes, all things that can easily cause rejection.  On top of that, our bodies will always "attack" transplanted organs because they are seen as foreign objects.  The anti rejection medications present a world of problems of their own.  Lowering our immunity to everything. So even AFTER the transplant (God willing he is accepted and survives) there's a minimum of 1 year recovery. They won't even CONSIDER you for a transplant, unless you have a "strong" support system in place. Which means at least 2 people to commit to care for you 24/ 7 . Hospitals reject a considerable number of IPF patients due to the lack of a solid support system. Also, the complexity of the surgery & likelihood of rejection. You have to be emotionally stable, with a positive but realistic attitude. (Approximately 85% of patients make it through the surgery itself.  And approximately 20% make it 10 years.) And financially secure, because you will not be able to work for at least a year after the transplant.  (And -Stress has a major effect on our bodies ability to recover.) 
   Dave's an amazing husband, loving father, loyal friend and a kind, compassionate person. He doesn't hesitate to help anyone in need. He's always the first to volunteer. He's an avid animal lover and volunteers at rescues and shelters.  He has taught me the true meaning of love. Through his kindness and forgiveness, he has given me an understanding of the unconditional love of God that 10 years in Catholic school couldn't. He's a hard worker and has always pushed himself as hard as possible to provide for us. Being a carpenter is an extremely physical job. His diagnosis came just as Covid hit. Which is a HUGE threat to his health & life! At this point he is on oxygen.  And physically unable to work.
   The loss of his income has put a huge strain on our finances already.  And we have a long road ahead of us!! I will have to care for him 24/7 for at least a year after his surgery.
   Between the stress of the illness, fear of the unknown and financial hardship, it is to say the least - overwhelming. Not only the regular day to day expenses of life.  As i'm sure you all know, living (especially on Long Island) isn't cheap.  Also doctor visits, tests, trips to the transplant hospital in the city, medications, medical equipment. I know the last 2 years have been crazy!! And have taken a toll on everyone. But, if possible,  any way that you can help,  even the smallest amount or sharing our story, is so greatly appreciated!! And means SO MUCH to us both!!  Thank you for all of the love, support, prayers and generosity you've shown. We couldn't do this alone and I Thank God we don't have to. You're all AMAZING!! And are in our hearts and prayers.
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    Organizer

    Jennifer Cordina Shafer
    Organizer
    Amityville, NY

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