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Eleven years ago, in 2014, I was diagnosed with Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), a rare disease affecting any part of the body. Mine affects my lungs. To be treated, I needed chemotherapy. I was on treatment for almost two years. During the last two sessions, I had a lung collapse. I had my first chest tube after my last session of chemotherapy. My lung collapsed for the second time within a week of the first collapse. I finished chemo treatment and was happy and cancer-free. But like they say, happiness doesn’t last long. My lungs collapsed again for the third time. They did a chest tube again, and I stayed in the hospital for two weeks. The doctor said that they did surgery to attach my lungs to my ribs to avoid lung collapse, but keep in mind that in the future, I would need a lung transplant.
In August of 2018, I got a call from the hospital. They found a match. I was happy and excited that I was getting new lungs—no more oxygen, no more feeling tired. Now, after 6 years of being a recipient, like I said before, happiness doesn’t stay forever. Things have turned upside down. I lost my job, and I spent the whole month in the hospital back in June. As of December 2024, doctors said my lungs only function at 0% now, the right lung is completely demolished
As of today, 07/06/2025, I returned from Arizona to Chicago after trying three different Arizona hospitals that don’t accept my case. Because of the high risk and rarity, Support and prayers will help my transplant journey and keep me up.
Thank you, and God bless you all
Sincerely
WILLY