Help with Dr. Gibbon's DOUBLE LUNG TRANSPLANT!

Dear Friends, Family, and Kind-hearted Supporters,

We are reaching out to you today with a heartfelt plea for your support as we stand alongside Dr. Gary Gibbon, and his dedicated wife Nola Roller, as they face a life-altering challenge. Gary, a loving husband, amazing father, caring brother, dedicated physician, and friend to many, has been battling a severe lung condition that has left him in dire need of a double lung transplant. We are humbly requesting your assistance to help Gary and his family cover the enormous medical and relocating/living expenses associated with this life-saving procedure.

Gary and Nola spent the last two months in the ICU at UCLA Medical Center in Santa Monica, California. His condition rapidly deteriorated, and it became clear that a clinical trial based in Chicago to give him a double lung transplant was his only hope for survival.

On September 10th, Gary, with Nola at his side, was medically transported to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. This was not a simple flight as Gary needed to fly with much less oxygen than he was receiving in the ICU. Thanks to the exceptional care provided by Angel MedFlight, Gary safely made it to Chicago!

Upon arriving at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Gary underwent just a few more tests and evaluations, and has now been cleared to participate in the clinical trial led by the renowned Dr. Ankit Bharat, Professor of thoracic surgery, pulmonary and critical care! This trial offers Gary the chance he desperately needs—a double lung transplant, that could restore his health and give him a new lease on life.

However, as hopeful as this news is, it comes with significant financial burdens. The cost of the transplant, including surgery, post-operative care, a lifetime of immunosuppressive medications, and living expenses, are astronomical. Once released from the hospital, Gary will need care takers by his side 24/7, for at least a year, while remaining in Chicago to be close to his doctors. Gratefully, Nola, his extraordinary daughter Courtney and his loyal sister Kelly, have volunteered.

Needless to say, the Gibbon family is facing overwhelming medical bills and living expenses that they simply cannot manage on their own.

In case you are reading this and don’t personally know Gary, allow me to share a little bit about him:

Dr. Gary Gibbon, has dedicated his life to the field of medicine and the education of future medical professionals! He started his medical journey in the Bush in South Africa as a member of the flying squad. There, at the age of 23, he would sleep every night at the hospital waiting for the call from the midwives if a baby on the way was in distress. He would then fly out to deliver them. He never lost a single baby! Once in Los Angeles, Gary continued his commitment to teaching others and to saving the lives of those less fortunate. Over the years Gary taught future medical professionals as an Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine, actively shaping the minds of fellows, residents, and medical students. He has spent many weekends, for years, attending to patients at the Sherman Oaks Hospital just to cover for other physicians who needed a break. Frankly, Dr. Gibbon, cares!

With a career spanning over three decades, Dr. Gibbon has been in private practice in the Santa Monica area since 1990, providing expert care to countless patients. His credentials as a Diplomate of the American Board of Allergy and Immunology and Board Certification in Internal and Pulmonary Medicine attest to his commitment to excellence in patient care and medical education.

Gary recently told me that, for him, this surgery allows him to continue his commitment to the medical profession he deeply cares about. Because this is a clinical trial, anything that is learned will ultimately be passed down to future patients who may find themselves in similar situations and need this type of help.

Here's how you can help now:

Donate: Please consider making a donation to Gary's GoFundMe campaign. Every dollar brings us one step closer to ensuring his successful recovery.

Share: Share this GoFundMe campaign with your friends, family, and social networks. Spreading the word can help us reach a broader audience and gather the necessary funds.

Prayer and Send Positive Vibes: Your thoughts, prayers, and positive energy are invaluable sources of strength for Gary and his family during this challenging time.

We understand that times are tough for everyone, and there are countless worthy causes out there. However, if you can find it in your heart to support Dr. Gary Gibbon's journey, you will be making a profound impact on a life that has touched so many others and could help yours in the future.

Gary has dedicated his life to caring for others, and now it's our turn to care for him. Let's come together as a community and show our love and support for this incredible man and his family.

Thank you for your generosity, compassion, and willingness to stand by Gary's side on this remarkable journey toward recovery. We are incredibly grateful for any help you can provide.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Laina Cohn and Patrick Vining