Hi. My name is Cathy LaMorie.

My daughter Jennifer was a patient in the ICU at Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca, NY for several weeks fighting pneumonia for the 7th time this year. On November 3, 2022 she was airlifted to Montefiore Hospital in the Bronx NY where she is awaiting Lung Transplant Surgery. Her lungs are very badly damaged and the doctors have informed me that without the lifesaving surgery, she will never leave the hospital.

There is going to be unplanned living, medical and travel expenses. Jennifer has no income of her own and I must take a leave from my job to care for her until she is released from the hospital. Being required to temporarily relocate close to the city will cause a huge financial burden on Jen and me as I will continue to have my own financial responsibilities back home at the same time.

Following the transplant surgery, Jen will have several weeks to several months of physical therapy that will prepare her for release from the hospital. Due to the very serious side effects expected after surgery, she and I are required to live no more than 2 hours from the hospital which could be for up to one year. She will have multiple weekly follow-up appointments and will have to take several medications daily to fight infection and help control lung rejection.

I must do everything I can to help Jen with this greatest gift of a second chance at life. I lost my youngest daughter Jessica unexpectedly on Jennifer’s birthday in May 2013 and I can’t even begin to express how I am fighting the thought that I may lose another daughter. Constantly worrying about her, thinking about these unplanned expenses, the thought of having to temporarily relocate close to the city without the financial means, and having to ask for help has caused stress and anxiety way beyond what I could ever have imagined.

I am blessed and grateful to everyone who has given me much needed emotional support and prayers during this very difficult time. Thank you all so very much. I just don’t know what I would do without your support and I am beyond words and extend my sincerest appreciation for your kindness.