Still Breathing: Help My Dad Recover After a Second Lung Transplant and Leg Amputation

Tony is the definition of a fighter.

In 2021, his life was forever changed when he contracted COVID-19 as an otherwise healthy and vivacious person. What started as a virus turned into a 4-month battle for his life—one that ended with a double lung transplant and a long road to recovery. Against all odds, he made it through. We thought the worst was behind us.

But his story was far from over.

In September of 2024, he received devastating news: CLAD which is a form of rejection and the leading cause of death in lung transplant recipients. The doctors gave him two options—do nothing and let nature take its course, or attempt the unthinkable… a second lung transplant.

Once again, my dad chose life.

The second transplant was complicated and risky. During surgery he suffered from heart failure, severe coagulopathy, and complete loss of blow flow to his right leg. Against all odds he survived due to his incredible transplant team and a lot of determination. Since that day he has faced setbacks and triumphs. 


Just one month after his second lung transplant he underwent a life altering procedure of a right leg above knee amputation. 

So now, my dad faces not only recovery from a second lung transplant but also the challenge of adjusting to life as an amputee.

He is currently still hospitalized in downtown Chicago undergoing intensive rehabilitation, physical therapy, and ongoing medical care. He will soon move to an inpatient rehab facility for an unknown amount of time. The financial strain of two major transplants, hospital stays, travel, medications, and now prosthetic fittings and mobility aids is overwhelming.

 If you know Tony you know he is the person to help everyone and struggles to ask for help himself. I see daily the stress he is under and would like to help relieve the financial burden so that he can focus on healing. 

 

We are raising funds to help with:

 

* Medical bills and insurance gaps

* Prosthetic limb and mobility equipment

* Travel and lodging for ongoing rehab

* Home modifications to support his new needs

* Basic expenses since him and his girlfriend are unable to work while she provides care for him 

My father is a survivor in every sense of the word. He is strong, kind, and determined—but even the strongest people need help sometimes.

 

If his story has touched you, please consider donating or sharing. Every bit of support helps ease the weight of this journey and gives my dad the dignity, care, and mobility he deserves.

 

Thank you for reading. And thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for helping us keep him still breathing.