Life-saving surgery for Ray

Most of you know that Ray and I are avid adventurers and LOVE our time spent outdoors. Camping, hiking, fishing, and exploring new places have been something we've enjoyed with family and friends.

Many of you know that Ray has had a persistent cough that never seemed to disappear. We initially thought it just to be caused by an infection or allergies. However, after many tests and medical appointments, it was determined that Ray has pulmonary fibrosis (scarring of the lungs). Unfortunately, this is something that progressively gets worse and is NOT treatable. We were then told that Ray would need a double lung transplant and to go through extensive tests and procedures to see if he would qualify to be placed on the national lung transplant list.

As you can imagine, it’s been a very emotional and frightening few months for Ray, me, and our family. Ray faces a long medical journey, waiting to get on the lung transplant list. But, waiting for new lungs is just the beginning. Over the next year, Ray's journey will include many types of rehabilitation, lifelong immunosuppressive and other medications, continued monitoring, and visits with hospital personnel. Ray will be unable to work for quite some time, as we will need to stay, in Utah, for up to 7 months while he recovers from the surgery and is monitored.

Although Ray has a long road ahead, he tackles this with his usual sense of humor and positivity. Yet, there is a lot of stress on his shoulders due to growing concerns about keeping up with our regular household expenses, the cost of staying in Utah, and our regular monthly bills. On top of that are travel costs, out-of-pocket hotel/housing expenses, medication not covered by insurance, and lack of income. Ray has always been very proud of doing things without others' help, but we have realized that we can't do this alone.

At the request of many, we hope to raise funds for the medical bills, additional forms of care and treatment for Ray. We hope that with your help, 100% of Ray's focus can be on getting his body, mind, and spirit through this without the added stress and distraction of a financial burden. He wants to do what's necessary to be able to get back to being able to spend time doing the things he loves.

Any donated amount is sincerely appreciated and worthwhile. Please help us get the word out so we can reach our goal.

Please feel free to leave messages of care and support. Your words will help us through the next several months of waiting and worrying. We truly appreciate all our friends and loved ones that have been there to boost us up along the way.