Hi, my name is Jacqueline Andy, wife of 31 years to Harry Andy (AKA: Ralph); I'm setting up this page to raise money for a surgery that will drastically increase Ralph's quality of life and, ultimately, mine. Ralph and I have been on quite the rollercoaster ride for the past four years. He has been in and out of hospitals 46 times since December 28, 2017. Since his initial hospitalization, medical professionals have struggled to provide an accurate diagnosis for the following symptoms; shortness of breath, recurring respiratory infections, and oxygen levels reaching the low 80s. Resulting in respiratory distress, blood sugars that range in the high 500s at times, and frequent bouts of Pneumonia with multiple episodes of testing positive for antibiotic-resistant bacterias such as Sepsis and MERSA; these are just to name a few.

We have been blessed to have an excellent team of medical professionals working with us who have done every test imaginable and have prescribed the newest and most advanced medications and life-saving equipment to no avail. As of today, Ralph is taking a total of 28 medications daily. Despite all of the failed attempts to improve Ralph's general health, the medical team we are working with has not given up and are persistent in attempting to enhance Ralph's quality of life.

In February of 2022, Ralph was diagnosed with Trachobronchomalacia (TBM). This is a rare condition caused by a weak airway (specifically the trachea and bronchi) collapsing when the person breathes. In adults, TBM is acquired, although it is unknown as to the exact cause. In February 2022, a stent was placed in Ralph's airway to hold it open. The stent is supposed to be a temporary solution for about a month; Ralph has had one inserted now for the past six months. His surgeon feels that his condition is severe and believe that the only therapy to achieve permanent symptom control is a tracheobronchoplasty surgery (TBP).

There are two surgical teams in the United States that specialize in this surgery, the one recommended by Ralph's surgeon is located at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, GA. The TBP is a major surgery which will require multiple trips to and from Atlanta for pre-op testing, and, on at least one occasion, an extensive inpatient stay post-op along with multiple yearly follow up appointments.

For the past four years our lives have revolved around Ralph's physical health, hospitals and doctors. We can't plan past today because we don't know how he will be doing tomorrow. I don't sleep because I'm afraid he won't walk up or I won't wake up if he needs me. Our ultimate goals are to be able to take a walk on the beach, enjoy the beautiful parks and wildlife of Florida, decrease his reliance on medications, improve his physical health, stay out of the hospitals, and play Santa Clause for the children at Christmas.

Any donations made would go to out-of-pocket medical expenses, transportation to and from Atlanta, food and lodging. The distance is approximately 500 miles or a seven-hour drive by car. We may need to fly on one or more occasions. Thank you for taking the time to listen to our story. Any donations would be gratefully appreciated.