Help James Breathe With New Lungs!

We’re reaching out for help and support for James Revels, a dear brother, friend and member of our community who is facing a life-threatening medical crisis.

James was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and interstitial lung disease (ILD) 9 years ago and 5 years ago it was clarified to be idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The cause of this scarring of the lungs, IPF, remains a mystery to the medical community, hence the term “idiopathic.” There is no cure for IPF, and a lung transplant is James’ only chance for survival.

Jim Revels #30 UF interception in the air -1972

James was born an athlete! In elementary school he was always the fastest runner. In junior high and high school, he excelled in baseball, basketball, track and football. In his senior year he was awarded a scholarship to the University of Florida for football, and after an outstanding career as a Gator, was drafted by the Miami Dolphins. Although his time in the NFL was brief, his love of sports never diminished. Throughout his adult life he continued to be very active physically. Unfortunately, IPF has taken that away from him, and James now requires supplemental oxygen 24/7.

James maintains a daily practice of expressing gratitude for his life and despite this difficult challenge, he remains an epitome of optimism and gratitude, finding expression through music, poetry, and writing—reflecting deep wisdom gained from mentors throughout his life.

Throughout his career in psychology, James’ compassion for helping has always been evident. He has provided counseling to troubled youth, individuals with brain-injuries, adults facing mental health challenges, and military personnel returning from combat.

James, nieces and nephews on the Nantahala River - 2012

Gail, Joe, John, Harry, James and Regina - 2023

James is a beloved uncle to two generations of nieces and nephews, and his two sisters and three brothers cherish him and their shared childhood. He is surrounded and lovingly supported by all five of his siblings, with Harry providing caregiving through this journey. Anne Marie is his long-term soul companion and confidant. James has life-long friends from childhood through college and from around the world.

James and Anne Marie - 2015

Duke University Hospital has provided treatment for James since 2019 but the IPF has steadily progressed. Following the Lung Transplant Team requirement, he and Harry have relocated from his home in Asheville to Durham for pulmonary rehab. He is also undergoing additional tests, labs, and educational sessions, to prepare him for the lung transplant.

The impact of the progression of IPF has been not only physical, mental and emotional, but also financial as James has had to reduce his workload over the last five years. This has resulted in increased monetary obligations that must still be met during the course of the surgery and recovery. Although many of the costs of the transplant will be covered by Medicare and insurance, the costs of housing in Durham, food, gas, and post-transplant medications are not covered. Also, James is now unable to work, and it is uncertain when he can return. The stay in Durham could be four to six months if everything goes smoothly with the transplant and recovery, but could be a year or longer with complications. James’ family and friends are committed to helping him financially, but your help is also needed!

That's why we're turning to you for help with this fundraiser. Your generosity can make a life-changing difference for James. Every donation, regardless of size, will ensure that he receives the care he urgently needs. Your support isn’t just financial—it offers hope, comfort, and the opportunity for James to live, to breathe easier and to look forward to a brighter future where he can be active again. Your kindness and generosity will be deeply appreciated by James and all who love and care for him.

Thank you for your support, prayers and positive thoughts during this challenging time. Together, we can make a difference in James’ journey to healing and recovery.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Team James

The longer I live, the more deeply I learn that love — whether we call it friendship or family or romance — is the work of mirroring and magnifying each other’s light. Gentle work. Steadfast work. Life-saving work in those moments when life and shame and sorrow occlude our own light from our view, but there is still a clear-eyed loving person to beam it back. In our best moments, we are that person for another.

—James Baldwin, from Nothing Personal, 1964.

A collaboration with photographer Richard Avedon, Baldwin’s high school classmate and lifelong friend.