- D
- R
Greeting to everyone,
On May 16 I hit my one year since my double lung transplant. On 23 May 2019, I will have my post transplant annual review upon completing I will get the okay to move back hom in Florida. The continued support and prayers of many not only got me the miricle of a lung double lung transplant, your prayers and support continue to lift me up as I pursue complete recover. Yes, there has been a few bumps in the road that has hinder my continued advancement in my recovery but it has not stopped my progress no matter how small it has been during some periods.
I thank each of you for your donations, support, and prayers. When this page was first establishd we projected cost and requirements, while we did not recieve all support from this posting we did recieve funding from resources we did not expected.
Thank you all again for all you have done, God bless each of you.
Changing tide. Posted 14 November 2018
In two days it will be six months anniversary since my initial surgery. The photo below is me walking the virtual Marine Corps 10k in 3 hour 35 minutes near my apartment on November 10, 2018.
To all that has and continue to support my family and me during this major event in our lives we humble that you all for your support and those so inclined your prayers . I’ve been given opportunities that was not earned or deserved and I hope I will be worthy of such a gift given me by the double lung transplant.
The increase in financial requirements was initially overwhelming. We just believe that some how it would be achieved each month and it has been achieved each month. While some would not be inclined to give credit to God, we are! Since May of this year I have been without salary, with the only income being my retirement/disability pay from the military total 1540.00 a month. The total debt each month has averaged around 10,000.00 depending on my co-share cost for that month on medication and medical visits/treatment.
To me it is amazing how, when, and where the funds come from and I’m so very grateful. This along with my continued improvement helps keep concerns/worries from being overwhelming to my family and yes me.
I was one that throughout his life took pride in being able to take care of his family and stay employed. Not being able to work, being sick for more then a few days was foreign to me. Having to ask for assistance within my personal life well was never expected. It is humbling and rewarding at the same time. It is rewarding because you see the best of humanity were total stranger step out of their comfort zone and decide to assist you based on trust. To trust that the words you speak are not a scam or false request to trigger emotional feeling that will cause you to donate. We are thankful to all that have donated and we seek to try and tell our story so other can see that it is possible and they should not give up hope.
we have been able to lower our financial needs amount since the initial double lung transplant on 16 May 2018, because of approval of services from Tricare. This covered approximately 800,000.00 in medical related cost as of this posting, donations just over 6000 and the rest from others sources. My point being it is not the amount we receive it is that funds are received. In the pass week I got refund check in the mail I had no idea I would get ( 9.13, 19.93 and 18.26). Might seem small but it add to the total.
We still need additional funds to assist us with cost between now and May 2019 when the doctors will release me to go back home to Florida. It is not because the cost will disappear it is because I believe sources of funds will be enough to cover the requirements and allow us to continue to assist others as we are and have been during this period in our lives.
We thank each of you for your support, prayers and willingness to share our story. We hope it will give those that read it the hope needed to keep breathing, to stay strong, trust, believe, let each second be considered a win that adds up to minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, and years. I’ve had it easy compared to so many other it is truly humbling to be given such an amazing opportunity in life.
Again, my family and I thank each of you for your support and if so inclined prayers from around the world, thank you so very much!
You can read more below and in our posted updates.
With great appreciation and love,
The Stovall family, friends and extended family!
Greetings to you,
On May 16 I hit my one year since my double lung transplant. On 23 May 2019, I will have my post transplant annual review upon completing I will get the okay to move back hom in Florida. The continued support and prayers of many not only got me the miricle of a lung double lung transplant, your prayers and support continue to lift me up as I pursue complete recover. Yes, there has been a few bumps in the road that has hinder my continued advancement in my recovery but it has not stopped my progress no matter how small it has been during some periods.
I thank each of you for your donations, support, and prayers. When this page was first establishd we projected cost and requirements, while we did not recieve all support from this posting we did recieve funding from resources we did not expected.
Thank you all again for all you have done, God bless each of you.
Changing tide. Posted 14 November 2018
In two days it will be six months anniversary since my initial surgery. The photo below is me walking the virtual Marine Corps 10k in 3 hour 35 minutes near my apartment on November 10, 2018.
To all that has and continue to support my family and me during this major event in our lives we humble that you all for your support and those so inclined your prayers . I’ve been given opportunities that was not earned or deserved and I hope I will be worthy of such a gift given me by the double lung transplant.
The increase in financial requirements was initially overwhelming. We just believe that some how it would be achieved each month and it has been achieved each month. While some would not be inclined to give credit to God, we are! Since May of this year I have been without salary, with the only income being my retirement/disability pay from the military total 1540.00 a month. The total debt each month has averaged around 10,000.00 depending on my co-share cost for that month on medication and medical visits/treatment.
To me it is amazing how, when, and where the funds come from and I’m so very grateful. This along with my continued improvement helps keep concerns/worries from being overwhelming to my family and yes me.
I was one that throughout his life took pride in being able to take care of his family and stay employed. Not being able to work, being sick for more then a few days was foreign to me. Having to ask for assistance within my personal life well was never expected. It is humbling and rewarding at the same time. It is rewarding because you see the best of humanity were total stranger step out of their comfort zone and decide to assist you based on trust. To trust that the words you speak are not a scam or false request to trigger emotional feeling that will cause you to donate. We are thankful to all that have donated and we seek to try and tell our story so other can see that it is possible and they should not give up hope.
we have been able to lower our financial needs amount since the initial double lung transplant on 16 May 2018, because of approval of services from Tricare. This covered approximately 800,000.00 in medical related cost as of this posting, donations just over 6000 and the rest from others sources. My point being it is not the amount we receive it is that funds are received. In the pass week I got refund check in the mail I had no idea I would get ( 9.13, 19.93 and 18.26). Might seem small but it add to the total.
We still need additional funds to assist us with cost between now and May 2019 when the doctors will release me to go back home to Florida. It is not because the cost will disappear it is because I believe sources of funds will be enough to cover the requirements and allow us to continue to assist others as we are and have been during this period in our lives.
We thank each of you for your support, prayers and willingness to share our story. We hope it will give those that read it the hope needed to keep breathing, to stay strong, trust, believe, let each second be considered a win that adds up to minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, and years. I’ve had it easy compared to so many other it is truly humbling to be given such an amazing opportunity in life.
Again, my family and I thank each of you for your support and if so inclined prayers from around the world, thank you so very much!
You can read more below and in our posted updates.
With great appreciation and love,
The Stovall family, friends and extended family!
Greetings to you,
This posting on "Go-Fund-Me" was posted by my sone in May of this year when my lung could no longer function well enough to keep me alive. We have been fortunate in that I was able to travel back to the United States from Ethiopia where I was working and receive a double lung transplant on May 16, 2018. Like all people that post on this platform, my sons were seeking assistance from ordinary people that know and understand how events in one's life can become overwhelming physically, emotionally, and financially. To keep it short and straightforward I was either going to have a successful transplant or close my eyes for the last time.
I am incredibly fortunate to get a double lung transplant and recovering well. Thanks to people I do not even know (the donor, their family, and others that provided what they could to assist and support me to this day physically and spiritually.
Since April I have gone from not even being able to get out of the hospital bed and having to be on oxygen 24/7 to being an outpatient and walking up to three miles a day.
It is the support of many like you that are and has given me the needed strength to never give up and know each day I am getting better.
My speedy recovery is aiding in enabling my older son to go back to work here in Virginia while his family continues to assist me in my recovery. I have a long road yet in gaining back my physical strength and endurance to do the everyday tasks such as lifting.
My family has been very supportive and determine the best way to ensure my recovery was complete was for my oldest son to resign from his job and move to Fairfax from Florida. With the support of his wife, they moved her at the end of June with my granddaughter Ellie to care for me. Not an easy decision to make when you have debt and need an income.
Up to this day we have been able to cover both of our prior debt, new debt from the additional living expenses of having an apartment here in Fairfax, medical care expenses, and medication. There have been bumps in the road since my initial release that require additional surgery and stay in the hospital as well as member of the family becoming ill themselves. Life events do not stop nor does the cost of these events.
As a father it is hard to see my family make these sacrifices on my behalf, it is also heartwarming and fills me with joy to know my family does this without hesitation. To put their lives on hold for a year and possibly longer. Their sacrifice is has been done by many and even possible you.
To get self-sufficient as quickly as possible so they can go back to their lives and build for their future is one of the motivating factors for me.
I am happy to say that even with live suprises, hidden cost and unknown factors that continue to surprise us the needed funds are provided to cover each months when it is due from this posting, and other means fund arrive.
The amount we estimated to need to cover all financial requirements until May 2019 has proven to be accurate. We do need your support through donations, and if you are capable of donating we ask that you do so with a minimum of 25 dollars.
To those that have assisted with donations and spiritual support, we thank you very much and want you to know that you have made a difference in our lives. You are all in our prayers, and we trust all is well for you and yours.
We do know we are one voice of many that are in need of assitance form others. We do donate to others here on "go-fund-me" it is difficult to see so many in need and to select the one you would give too. Thank you for taking the time to consider our request.
You can read more on our story below, these are the posting place from the start with updates. See below.
Thank you for taking the time to visit our posting made to assist us in supporting the financial needs being created by our father lung transplant. We are asking for your support through donations and prayers.
Pulmonary Fibrosis is the primary cause that led to our father needing a lung transplant. It was initially diagnosed 14 June 2014 upon his return from South Sudan by Dr, Diaz at Patrick Air Force base. It was link to the time he served in the military. Dad was an active, healthy individual who did not smoke or drink. He was appricative of the quality of life he was given and even now sustains a positive attifude that even at this time everything is going to be alright. He considers himself the most fortunate person he knows; he said if anyone really knew his life sorry they would believe this too.
THE REQUIREMENT:
Dad is hospitalized until he can be given the lung transplant at INOVA, Fairfax Hospital. Without the operation, he will need a miracle to live. Initially, dad was being transported to Lake Nona VA Medical Center where dad would get care and hopefull move to a VA transplant center. Upon arriavl to Walter Reed Medical Center dad was evaluated for air movement to Florida Veteran Administration Medical Center, his condition continued to deteriorate to the point he could not travel by air or ground for the length of time required. Walter Reed contact INVOA, Fairfax, VA and they agreed to accept him into the Transplant department for care and evaluation on the evening of 3 may 2018.
Pulmonary Fibrosis is the primary cause that led to our father needing a lung transplant. It was initially diagnosed 14 June 2014 upon his return from South Sudan by Dr, Diaz at Patrick Air Force base. It was link to the time he served in the military. Dad was an active, healthy individual who did not smoke or drink. He was appricative of the quality of life he was given and even now sustains a positive attifude that even at this time everything is going to be alright. He considers himself the most fortunate person he knows; he said if anyone really knew his life sorry they would believe this too.
THE REQUIREMENT:
Dad is hospitalized until he can be given the lung transplant at INOVA, Fairfax Hospital. Without the operation, he will need a miracle to live. Initially, dad was being transported to Lake Nona VA Medical Center where dad would get care and hopefull move to a VA transplant center. Upon arriavl to Walter Reed Medical Center dad was evaluated for air movement to Florida Veteran Administration Medical Center, his condition continued to deteriorate to the point he could not travel by air or ground for the length of time required. Walter Reed contact INVOA, Fairfax, VA and they agreed to accept him into the Transplant department for care and evaluation on the evening of 3 may 2018.
The cost relating to dad care and family relocating is extensive, and the amount we estimate as needed will cover the expenditures created over the next year. The need for assistance is immediate, Rein my oldest brother company is very supportive and allowing him to take time even though he has not worked for them for a year. My dad company (CRC) coordianted his travel back from Ethiopia and cost that was not the covered by the military.
The funds raised will assist us with medical care and equipment, transportation, housing, moving from Kissimmee, Florida to Fairfax, Virginia. The funds will aid us to prepare a support system and living arrangement that will enable us to sustain the needed care for dad once the transplant is completed which will require continuous assistance for the first year in Virginia before he can return to Florida.
Dad is presently at ICU/CCU Inova Fairfax Hospital in Virginia. We are hoping that by sharing with others, people can donate a small amount that will aid us in achieving the total needed to cover some of the cost related to the lung transplant.
A little about our Dad:
Dad is a great grandpa. He might not agree, but he can talk when it is something he interested in or cares about. Dad was born and raised in Pekin, IL. When he turned 17, he joined the Marines and went to boot camp at Parris Island was a 0311 grunt and was assigned to barracks duty. Dad Joined the Army as a 63C mechanic; he says being a Marine enabled him to excel in the Army. He retired from the Army as a Chief Warrant Officer Three. Since retiring from the military dad has worked different jobs to support his "Ohana (love ones) family" as Ohau Transit Service staff, Advisor, Trainer, Transportation Chief, Maintenance Manager, and Truck Driver (OTR). He has worked in service of our country as an advisor and trainer after retiring from the military in Saudi Arabia (2 times), Bosnia & Herzegovina, Guam, Iraq (5 times), Afganistan (2 times), South Sudan (2 times), Uganda, and Ethiopia.
Pulmonary Fibrosis:
In June 2014 dad was diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis. From 2014 to the end of 2017 the reduction in his abilities was minor, and he was still working full time until April 4, 2108. Unfortunately, the reduction in his condition was very sudden triggered by an infective and blood clots in his lungs.
In June 2014 dad was diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis. From 2014 to the end of 2017 the reduction in his abilities was minor, and he was still working full time until April 4, 2108. Unfortunately, the reduction in his condition was very sudden triggered by an infective and blood clots in his lungs.
On April 4, 2018, he went to doctors in Ethiopia and was admitted to ICU from 4 to 15 April at which time they found him to have an infection and blood clots in his lungs. On 15 April he was transferred by air ambulance to Nairobi, Kenya and stay there until 25 April at which time he was again moved by air ambulance to Landstuhl, Germany U.S. military hospital until 29 April. The Military transported him by military air ambulance to Walter Reed medical center where he was until 3 May at which time due to the poor condition he was accepted by CCU Inova Fairfax Hospital in Virginia.
On 10 May all evaluation and exams were completed, and the transplant team of INOVA determined dad was a candidate for transplant, and he was placed on the transplant list and will be monitored in the hospital until a donor is identified.
The Story continues:
While we have said much the story has just begun, we will continue to post updates as changes happen and dad successfully receive the transplant, and we will share with you how well he does over the next year in recovery and beyond. See you are investing in the future of our family and we want you to know the difference your donation makes not only today but in the future for our family. We will share photos, events, highs, and lows and seek to provide you with the knowledge that your assistance made a difference. Your help allowed the future to be different! Your now part of our family and we thank you for honoring us with that gift.
Thank you for your support, prayers, and consideration, any amount of donation is terrific and much appreciated.
God Bless,
Stephen Stovall's family and friends!!!!!
We would love to add any comments.
UPDATE: 12 May 2018, awaiting identification of a donor for transplant. Dad is having a good day breathing and receiving excellent care at INOVA ICU/CUU.
UPDATE: 15 May 2018; Greetings everyone, might be my last post from my son and me will seek to keep you all updated, The doctors are going to have to put me on a machine to put oxygen into my blood so that will be today. I ask for your continued prayers that my body adjust quickly to the device with no complications.
If you would be so kind to consideration to donate to our family and friends gofundme so my family can benefit from the funds to cover the needed finances to cover the additional cost this event is creating in our lives. GOD is good, and he is preparing a way, I thank you all for your prayers and support!!!! May God protection be upon your families and you.
May the presence of God aid the doctors during this surgery and help me to recover quickly, and my body adapts to the machine soon with no complications. I ask Lord that the pain in my left chest area be healed and the muscles made normal that my lungs and heart adjust to the change immediately, so I sustain functions until a donor is found. My your angel surround the room and bring comfort to my family, friends, and supporter. In Jesus name Amen and Amen.
God Bless you all!
UPDATE: 15 May 2018, 8:00 PM; Hi Team hopes you all are doing well, by the way, if you are reading this you are part of the Ohana (family, TEAM). I got the ECMO done earlier today, it takes the bad blood no oxygen out of my body and put in good oxygen in my body. There was no complications and working great!
Got additional good news of a matched donor for the lung transplant. My family and I would ask for yours and those you share the prayer request with to for continued prayers that the lungs arrive in perfect condition and they are an ideal match for me. The transplant is scheduled for tomorrow at 7:00 am. I thought I would not be able to update, but it is nice that I can share.
You all are so beautiful, and I'm happy you are part of the team, you are making a difference in the lives of my family and me, and we cannot thank you enough!
God Bless!
UPDATE: 1 June 2018, 7:20 pm: Greetings to the beautiful people that have and are continuing to pray for my family and I. I’ve been able to gain strength and progress. The excellent staff at INOVA have taken excellent care of me and assisted me in progressing to where I will become an outpatient to continue physical therapy come Monday. This is quicker than we expected and believes with all our heart it is the support, prayers, and efforts of the INOVA team and all of you!!!
The financial support many of you have provided will aid in assisting my family and me in transportation, medication, medical equipment, and other cost associated with the care and support needed for me to complete the one-year recovery program established by the transplant department here at INOVA and beyond.
This gift given me is nothing short of a miracle.
I would ask those that have not donated to consider donating 10 to 25 dollars and possible share with others to do the same. We sincerely believe that even the smallest of donations is important and a blessing to us and the person giving.
God Bless you all for your continued prayers and support. We are truly grateful!!!
UPDATE: 17 June 2018, 0913.
Greeting everyone,
For those that have been following my medical adventure you can agree that my transplant was nothing short of a miracle considering where I had to travel from and the condition I was in during movement to the USA. Because of the efforts and prayers of many people I can talk to you today.
When my family started this GoFundMe request the fund's amount was based on medical, living, travel, and other expenses that at the time we saw as required payments that we did not have the funds to achieve. We have been blessed with benefits from TRICARE that has helped cover much if not all the surgery cost and allowing us to need less funds to support my recovery during this coming year.
I was approved for social security disability and will begin receiving payment on 1 November 2018. There is a five-month grace period that you wait before receiving payment. I am filing with VA to seek additional benefits and disability. The DAV organization will be assisting us in this process, not sure how long it will take to be considered or if they will approve.
With this said we are still in need of assistance to cover cost of having to move to VA and live here until I meet the physical and medical levels needed to be released to go home to Florida.
It is our understanding at this time that the 12,000 a month for medication will be covered by insurance and VA. That my physical therapy and other care/treatments/visits to Inova medical center will be 80% to 90% covered by insurance. I consider myself very fortunate that these cost are being covered. It lowers the overall funding needs greatly.
What was over 470,000.00 dollars is now lowered to approximately 185,800.00.
This cost has already begun and we would be very grateful to those that can assist us with a donation of 10 to 25 dollars or more if you are able to do so. Many have given more and it is appreciated. We know it is not easy to send funds to a person and we hope you will sincerely consider sending funds to us and sharing with those you know to do the same.
Thank you for taking the time to consider our requirements. My God bless you and yours and return your prayers and donations 100 times.
We as a family have been bless beyond words, I thank you all for your continued prayers that give me strength and hope each day. God has given me such a testimony of how great individuals love and faith can be to a total stranger. On May 15 I sat in a hospital bed not knowing if I was going to make it to the next hour in that day, seeing in the eyes of those around me such deep concern and hope that I would make it to receive a transplant.
On May 16 I received a double lung transplant and now 17 June I sit here talking to you and sharing the miracle of life that I know have and how I am recovering because of so many others prayers, gifts, and support. God bless you all !!!
Thank you for being part of our support team.
Thank you for your support, prayers, and consideration, any amount of donation is terrific and much appreciated.
God Bless,
Stephen Stovall's family and friends!!!!!
We would love to add any comments.
UPDATE: 12 May 2018, awaiting identification of a donor for transplant. Dad is having a good day breathing and receiving excellent care at INOVA ICU/CUU.
UPDATE: 15 May 2018; Greetings everyone, might be my last post from my son and me will seek to keep you all updated, The doctors are going to have to put me on a machine to put oxygen into my blood so that will be today. I ask for your continued prayers that my body adjust quickly to the device with no complications.
If you would be so kind to consideration to donate to our family and friends gofundme so my family can benefit from the funds to cover the needed finances to cover the additional cost this event is creating in our lives. GOD is good, and he is preparing a way, I thank you all for your prayers and support!!!! May God protection be upon your families and you.
May the presence of God aid the doctors during this surgery and help me to recover quickly, and my body adapts to the machine soon with no complications. I ask Lord that the pain in my left chest area be healed and the muscles made normal that my lungs and heart adjust to the change immediately, so I sustain functions until a donor is found. My your angel surround the room and bring comfort to my family, friends, and supporter. In Jesus name Amen and Amen.
God Bless you all!
UPDATE: 15 May 2018, 8:00 PM; Hi Team hopes you all are doing well, by the way, if you are reading this you are part of the Ohana (family, TEAM). I got the ECMO done earlier today, it takes the bad blood no oxygen out of my body and put in good oxygen in my body. There was no complications and working great!
Got additional good news of a matched donor for the lung transplant. My family and I would ask for yours and those you share the prayer request with to for continued prayers that the lungs arrive in perfect condition and they are an ideal match for me. The transplant is scheduled for tomorrow at 7:00 am. I thought I would not be able to update, but it is nice that I can share.
You all are so beautiful, and I'm happy you are part of the team, you are making a difference in the lives of my family and me, and we cannot thank you enough!
God Bless!
UPDATE: 1 June 2018, 7:20 pm: Greetings to the beautiful people that have and are continuing to pray for my family and I. I’ve been able to gain strength and progress. The excellent staff at INOVA have taken excellent care of me and assisted me in progressing to where I will become an outpatient to continue physical therapy come Monday. This is quicker than we expected and believes with all our heart it is the support, prayers, and efforts of the INOVA team and all of you!!!
The financial support many of you have provided will aid in assisting my family and me in transportation, medication, medical equipment, and other cost associated with the care and support needed for me to complete the one-year recovery program established by the transplant department here at INOVA and beyond.
This gift given me is nothing short of a miracle.
I would ask those that have not donated to consider donating 10 to 25 dollars and possible share with others to do the same. We sincerely believe that even the smallest of donations is important and a blessing to us and the person giving.
God Bless you all for your continued prayers and support. We are truly grateful!!!
UPDATE: 17 June 2018, 0913.
Greeting everyone,
For those that have been following my medical adventure you can agree that my transplant was nothing short of a miracle considering where I had to travel from and the condition I was in during movement to the USA. Because of the efforts and prayers of many people I can talk to you today.
When my family started this GoFundMe request the fund's amount was based on medical, living, travel, and other expenses that at the time we saw as required payments that we did not have the funds to achieve. We have been blessed with benefits from TRICARE that has helped cover much if not all the surgery cost and allowing us to need less funds to support my recovery during this coming year.
I was approved for social security disability and will begin receiving payment on 1 November 2018. There is a five-month grace period that you wait before receiving payment. I am filing with VA to seek additional benefits and disability. The DAV organization will be assisting us in this process, not sure how long it will take to be considered or if they will approve.
With this said we are still in need of assistance to cover cost of having to move to VA and live here until I meet the physical and medical levels needed to be released to go home to Florida.
It is our understanding at this time that the 12,000 a month for medication will be covered by insurance and VA. That my physical therapy and other care/treatments/visits to Inova medical center will be 80% to 90% covered by insurance. I consider myself very fortunate that these cost are being covered. It lowers the overall funding needs greatly.
What was over 470,000.00 dollars is now lowered to approximately 185,800.00.
This cost has already begun and we would be very grateful to those that can assist us with a donation of 10 to 25 dollars or more if you are able to do so. Many have given more and it is appreciated. We know it is not easy to send funds to a person and we hope you will sincerely consider sending funds to us and sharing with those you know to do the same.
Thank you for taking the time to consider our requirements. My God bless you and yours and return your prayers and donations 100 times.
We as a family have been bless beyond words, I thank you all for your continued prayers that give me strength and hope each day. God has given me such a testimony of how great individuals love and faith can be to a total stranger. On May 15 I sat in a hospital bed not knowing if I was going to make it to the next hour in that day, seeing in the eyes of those around me such deep concern and hope that I would make it to receive a transplant.
On May 16 I received a double lung transplant and now 17 June I sit here talking to you and sharing the miracle of life that I know have and how I am recovering because of so many others prayers, gifts, and support. God bless you all !!!
Thank you for being part of our support team.
Greetings all, I was admitted back into hospital on 27 August 2018, This is the second time I have been re-admitted to the hospital since my fantastic road to my transplant on May 16, 2018. I am believing it will be short period, on my visit to the clinic on Monday they did a ct-scan and found a small area that they think is pneumonia, just waiting for test results to get best selection of medication to address this issue. Would appreciate your support in any way you are capable, thank you!
