Liz's new lungs

Have you heard…Liz has received the best gift of what both this world and God could offer.  On Sunday August 19, 2018, Liz was given the opportunity to extend her life when she received her new lungs!!  She is so grateful for the all of the support and prayers that she has received. She continues to surprise the doctors and nurses with her progress. The lung transplant is transforming Liz and her family’s future, however, there are still many obstacles to overcome. Even with insurance, there are many out-of-pocket expenses that will be ongoing, such as durable medical equipment, medication, relocation expenses, and modifications to help make sure the environment does not cause her new lungs to be rejected. We are asking for donations to help alleviate the financial burden that her pre- and post-transplant have created.

Just to refresh your memory, Liz was diagnosed with bronchiolitlis obliterans back in June of 2015, requiring her to be on continuous oxygen. She was told she needed a double lung transplant or would likely only live 3-5 years.  Since that time, there have been many ups and downs, but at no point did Liz ever give up and at no point did any of us stop praying for her. As some of you know from the get go she was told at the Emergency she had Respiratory Failure and may not survive the night. She was asked by the Emergency Doctors and team to talk to her 5 year old son in simple terms so that he knew what was wrong with his mommy.  All Liz could think of was to say, "Papas, Mommy is having trouble catching her breath and is being told she needs a new pair of breathing balloons..Mommy may go to sleep and not wake up.” At that younger tender age, Huguito understood the concept and started to cry.  In addition, Liz has been given CPR, been intubated, and received 8 rounds of Cytoxan just to try to shock her immune system because the high steroid medications didn't want to work. Attempts to reduce the Prednisone dosage from 60 mg caused her to return to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Liz was referred to UCSD PULMONARY/TRANSPLANT TEAM and several times placed or taken off because she was considered to be too "ill."

Eventually, she was taken off the UCSD transplant list when she was diagnosed with Stage 1 Endometrial Cancer. Not to be stopped, Liz underwent a successful hysterectomy, however, UCSD was unable to have her listed through their program and referred her to UCLA Ronald Reagan Hospital. She was able to be listed through UCLA for her double lung transplant and as you know- she got them! Thank you for being a part of her story and for contributing to her happy beginning. Your support, prayers, and donations truly make a difference for Liz and her family! She appreciates and loves you ALL.