In October 2018, after being short of breath for some time, Karen was diagnosed with Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (scarring of the lung tissue), which there is no cure for. She was given medications to slow the disease down. However, in 2021 when she retired from her position, she also became dependent on oxygen and was told her lungs would only last another 6-18 months. After many procedures and appointments, Karen was put on the transplant list in Cleveland.

Karen was given the good news that a lung was available on February 24 and flew to Cleveland. She received the transplant the evening of February 25, and has been making continual progress.

Although Karen is on medicare and has a supplement plan there are many expenses related to this procedure that will not be covered. These include cost of the jet to transport them for transplant procedure, housing once transplant is done (may be up to 3 months) and a wide array of medications and medical equipment.

Please consider helping Karen and her family on their road to recovery.