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Jerry's Journey: Double Lung Transplant
0% complete
$2,000 raised of $100K
19 donations
Many folks have had the pleasure of getting to know Jerry Fort. For those that have not had the opportunity, trust me, you are missing out. Jerry is a happy, optimistic and kind man that is always good for a joke and a laugh.
2020 was a difficult year for him, albeit for very different reasons than you might expect. In the Spring of 2020, after experiencing difficulty breathing, scans revealed a diagnosis of Pulmonary Fibrosis. It was also discovered that he had approximately forty percent lung capacity remaining. This is when Jerry's life drastically changed. From that point forward Jerry has been on oxygen twenty-four hours a day, seven day a week. After months of doctors’ appointments, physical therapy, and drug treatments, his condition rapidly deteriorated to a point of no return.
Through all of the pain, heartache and uncertainty Jerry found a way to cope and keep a positive attitude. Though he may have trouble catching his breath, he's still good for a joke and a laugh. Some things never change.
In late 2020 hope and good news were delivered. The University of Florida Shands Hospital informed Jerry that he would be a candidate for a potential double lung transplant. The final decision on whether or not he will receive the double lung transplant and where he will fall on the recipient list has yet to be determined. Even still, the news came at a time when hope and positivity were so desperately needed.
Beginning in 2021 Jerry, along with his loving wife Penny, embarked on a journey that we hope will give him a chance at a much longer and happier life. Jerry and Penny spent the first full week of January at Shands Hospital undergoing a battery of tests and endless meetings with various hospital staff. These tests and meetings were necessary for the transplant team to determine if he would be a candidate for the transplant. The test results were overwhelmingly positive and meetings with doctors from the transplant team went well. We are hopeful that he will ultimately be accepted to receive the double lung transplant and be placed on the recipient list. Shands is a leading institution for lung transplants with skilled doctors and a high rate of success. These facts have helped Jerry and his family to bravely face the current situation, knowing that this is the best opportunity for regaining a (somewhat) normal life.
It goes without saying that medical treatment, surgeries, hospital stays and prescriptions (even with insurance) are expensive and the associated costs add up quickly. Aside from the costs of the medical care there are unforeseen expenses that stem from the medical condition. Jerry has not been able to work since his diagnosis. While Penny is still working, the weight of bills in a single income household has only increased. Jerry and Penny are doing all that they can to stay afloat through this difficult time.
We are asking for your support for 3 main reasons:
1. Existing Expenses - the loss of his job and the influx of medical bills had quite the adverse financial impact. Your generous donations will help to lessen the existing financial burden and lift the spirits of both Jerry and Penny as they anxiously await the decision of the transplant team.
2. Transplant Costs and Associated Medical Care - a medical procedure of this nature comes with a hefty price tag. Aside from the cost of the surgery there are other expenses to consider such as hospital stays, physical therapy and follow up appointments. Additionally there are food and lodging costs that will be incurred by Penny. After a successful transplant Jerry will have to live in Florida for approximately twelve weeks. During that time there will be the expense of lodging and transportation as Jerry will need to be at the hospital daily for doctors visits and physical therapy. Your generous donations will help to offset the out-of-pocket medical costs as well as the expense of keeping a second household for three months. These funds will help Jerry focus one hundred percent on recovery and not on the money owed.
3. Post Care - when Jerry is able to come home life will be much different. He will no longer require oxygen but he will have to take many preventative measures to ensure he stays healthy. After receiving new lungs Jerry will always need to wear a mask while outside the home (COVID or not), take an anti-rejection medication for the rest of his life and have food prepared in a specific manner so as to reduce the risk of illness. These sacrifices are completely worth it and Jerry and Penny are more than happy to make them. These restrictions may lead to additional unforeseen costs. Your generous donations will help to cover additional costs associated with his new way of life and allow Jerry and Penny to focus on the many days ahead.
Having a second chance at life is an incredible gift. Though not everything will be perfect and there will undoubtedly be bumps and bruises, this is a once in a lifetime chance for Jerry to be with us for many years to come. He is a fighter and he will not give up. Your support will help him to fight, help him to heal, and most importantly, help him to live.
Hope is a magnificent thing. With his strong willed-ness, your positivity and your donations, Jerry can keep hope alive.
We greatly appreciate you taking the time to read about Jerry's journey. If you are unable to donate at this time that is more than okay. Positive thoughts, prayers, texts, calls and words of encouragement are the most beautiful forms of currency. If you are able to give, no matter the amount, please know that your gift is appreciated more than words can describe. Be assured that these funds will only be used for care, recovery and the expenses incurred by Jerry and Penny.
If you feel inclined please share this GoFundMe so that others may donate if they wish.
With love and gratitude,
The family of Jerry Fort
2020 was a difficult year for him, albeit for very different reasons than you might expect. In the Spring of 2020, after experiencing difficulty breathing, scans revealed a diagnosis of Pulmonary Fibrosis. It was also discovered that he had approximately forty percent lung capacity remaining. This is when Jerry's life drastically changed. From that point forward Jerry has been on oxygen twenty-four hours a day, seven day a week. After months of doctors’ appointments, physical therapy, and drug treatments, his condition rapidly deteriorated to a point of no return.
Through all of the pain, heartache and uncertainty Jerry found a way to cope and keep a positive attitude. Though he may have trouble catching his breath, he's still good for a joke and a laugh. Some things never change.
In late 2020 hope and good news were delivered. The University of Florida Shands Hospital informed Jerry that he would be a candidate for a potential double lung transplant. The final decision on whether or not he will receive the double lung transplant and where he will fall on the recipient list has yet to be determined. Even still, the news came at a time when hope and positivity were so desperately needed.
Beginning in 2021 Jerry, along with his loving wife Penny, embarked on a journey that we hope will give him a chance at a much longer and happier life. Jerry and Penny spent the first full week of January at Shands Hospital undergoing a battery of tests and endless meetings with various hospital staff. These tests and meetings were necessary for the transplant team to determine if he would be a candidate for the transplant. The test results were overwhelmingly positive and meetings with doctors from the transplant team went well. We are hopeful that he will ultimately be accepted to receive the double lung transplant and be placed on the recipient list. Shands is a leading institution for lung transplants with skilled doctors and a high rate of success. These facts have helped Jerry and his family to bravely face the current situation, knowing that this is the best opportunity for regaining a (somewhat) normal life.
It goes without saying that medical treatment, surgeries, hospital stays and prescriptions (even with insurance) are expensive and the associated costs add up quickly. Aside from the costs of the medical care there are unforeseen expenses that stem from the medical condition. Jerry has not been able to work since his diagnosis. While Penny is still working, the weight of bills in a single income household has only increased. Jerry and Penny are doing all that they can to stay afloat through this difficult time.
We are asking for your support for 3 main reasons:
1. Existing Expenses - the loss of his job and the influx of medical bills had quite the adverse financial impact. Your generous donations will help to lessen the existing financial burden and lift the spirits of both Jerry and Penny as they anxiously await the decision of the transplant team.
2. Transplant Costs and Associated Medical Care - a medical procedure of this nature comes with a hefty price tag. Aside from the cost of the surgery there are other expenses to consider such as hospital stays, physical therapy and follow up appointments. Additionally there are food and lodging costs that will be incurred by Penny. After a successful transplant Jerry will have to live in Florida for approximately twelve weeks. During that time there will be the expense of lodging and transportation as Jerry will need to be at the hospital daily for doctors visits and physical therapy. Your generous donations will help to offset the out-of-pocket medical costs as well as the expense of keeping a second household for three months. These funds will help Jerry focus one hundred percent on recovery and not on the money owed.
3. Post Care - when Jerry is able to come home life will be much different. He will no longer require oxygen but he will have to take many preventative measures to ensure he stays healthy. After receiving new lungs Jerry will always need to wear a mask while outside the home (COVID or not), take an anti-rejection medication for the rest of his life and have food prepared in a specific manner so as to reduce the risk of illness. These sacrifices are completely worth it and Jerry and Penny are more than happy to make them. These restrictions may lead to additional unforeseen costs. Your generous donations will help to cover additional costs associated with his new way of life and allow Jerry and Penny to focus on the many days ahead.
Having a second chance at life is an incredible gift. Though not everything will be perfect and there will undoubtedly be bumps and bruises, this is a once in a lifetime chance for Jerry to be with us for many years to come. He is a fighter and he will not give up. Your support will help him to fight, help him to heal, and most importantly, help him to live.
Hope is a magnificent thing. With his strong willed-ness, your positivity and your donations, Jerry can keep hope alive.
We greatly appreciate you taking the time to read about Jerry's journey. If you are unable to donate at this time that is more than okay. Positive thoughts, prayers, texts, calls and words of encouragement are the most beautiful forms of currency. If you are able to give, no matter the amount, please know that your gift is appreciated more than words can describe. Be assured that these funds will only be used for care, recovery and the expenses incurred by Jerry and Penny.
If you feel inclined please share this GoFundMe so that others may donate if they wish.
With love and gratitude,
The family of Jerry Fort