Lungs for Life for Roy

Dearest friends, family and supporters, our good friends Roy Dampeer and Brian Owen are in the fight of their lives. Few know that Roy was placed on the transplant list in December 2022 to undergo a double lung transplant. In the months prior, Roy had contracted pneumonia and the strain of bacteria was found to be resistant to antibiotics.

They were lucky to receive a call from UAB in the wee hours of 17 January 2023! Better news, once they arrived – the lungs were found to be a match!

Roy tolerated his double lung transplant well and release to recovery was on-target, where they were to remain in Birmingham for 3 months for follow-up and continued care. He only managed a few days in their Birmingham Apartment before Brian had to return him to the hospital with findings of flu. Roy hasn't left the hospital again, yet, but is making strides toward that day. Brian has not left Roy's side.

Having recovered well from the flu and tolerating strength building, they performed surgery last week to remove old blood that had collected in the cavity of one of the lungs. Brian believes this will set him back on the road to recovery. Many other minor surgeries have taken place throughout their stay, as well, but it is expected that a transplant patient would have to return to the hospital for care.

As far as his lungs themselves, that part is fantastic!

Roy and Brian have been in the hospital for more than 2 months now and with the recent setback, a timeline for returning home is not as clear as it once was. As you can imagine, expenses overwhelming and costs are mounting for the kind of things that insurance doesn't cover, i.e., boarding 2 animals who can't be separated, expenses of 2 households, living expenses away from home, medical expenses not covered by insurance, co-pays and transportation, etc. The list goes on.

There is no debating the love we share for these two men, who have done so much for others. Many have asked what they can do to help. If you know Brian and Roy, you know that they would never ask for help, but now, after getting knocked down hard, they have given permission to set up this page on their behalf. Roy has been and will continue to be unable to work. Please help them by providing financial comfort to them. They are an incredibly kind family who helps others whenever possible.

Roy still has many dreams he would like to fulfill. Let’s help him get there! All proceeds will go directly to Roy and Brian to cover expenses, as described.

Thank you!