Support Karyn's Double Lung Transplant Journey

My friend Karyn Noel has just been placed on the waitlist for a double lung transplant at UCSF Medical Center. Karyn had a very active and involved life before both her lungs became severely damaged by pulmonary fibrosis. Now a transplant is required for her to live. Karyn lives alone and has been unable to work for the last few years due to her illness. When she learned that her condition would continue to deteriorate, she was motivated to pursue a lung transplant. She went through over one year of rigorous education and preparation to meet the requirements to secure a place on the transplant list. She’s very happy to have been approved and is fortunate to be a patient at UCSF, but this brings a whole new set of needs and expenses and Karyn needs our help.

Even with insurance, post-transplant care is costly. She will need to rent alternate housing for 6 weeks in San Francisco for herself and her 24/7 caregivers to be close to the hospital for numerous post-surgery follow-up appointments. Copays for prescriptions and medical care are another cost. Transportation is another need as driving and public transportation are not allowed during the arduous 6-month healing process.

Karyn also needs housekeeping help for her East Bay home. She loves to garden but is forbidden to due to the risk of infection from soil, which could further damage her lungs.

A long-time member of the South End Rowing Club in San Francisco, Karyn was an avid Bay swimmer and kayaker before illness prevented her from working and enjoying her very active lifestyle. She’s fiercely determined to get back into the Bay, her main wish! The cover photo was taken last September with her nasal cannula and her oxygen device on a floatie, her last plunge in the Bay before her increasing need for oxygen made that impossible.

Help us get Karyn back in the Bay with us by giving what you can towards her recovery!!! Thank you!