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Cynthia's Double Lung Transplant Fund

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Pre and Post-op for Double Lung Transplant Fund 

Hello family, friends and anyone who reads this page. My name is Cynthia and I am a single mother of teen twins. It's hard for me to talk about something very personal due to being an introvert so please bear with me. I have been struggling/battling with Rheumatoid Arthritis for the past 6-7yrs. Within the last year and a half, I am deeply saddened and heartbroken to say more complications have arisen. Last year, I was diagnosed with Interstitial Lung Disease. This year I was referred to a Hospital in Ohio for a Double Lung Transplant.

In short, around April 2018 I received devastating news from my doctor indicating that I have a life-threatening condition called Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD). What led me to get ILD you may ask? For the past 6 years, I have been struggling/battling with Rheumatoid Arthritis with symptoms that are unpredictable and unmanageable at times. (These are only the major diagnosis.) Most of the time, I deal with severe chronic pain dragging myself to work. When I get out of work I walk through the doors of my house almost falling, throwing myself on the couch because my body hurts so badly. At times, I can hardly move or get out of bed, therefore, I end up missing work. This has taken a toll on me and has affected my life so much that my mother had to move in with me to help me with daily routines. My daughters also help me when I am immobile. This hurts me so much because at their age they shouldn’t have to take care of me.

Then around 2yrs ago, I was diagnosed with Scleroderma which led to Institutional Lung Disease and Pulmonary Hypertension. I never realized the risk factors and complications of organs being affected. Meanwhile, doctors were/are trying different types of medication that haven’t worked for me. In turn, the lung condition continues to get worse. I never thought that I would ever need a lung transplant but this is where my journey has taken me.

What happened recently? My Pulmonologist referred me to a Lung Transplant Specialist in Ohio. After evaluating test results and meeting with the transplant team (due to this I have outstanding bills) they indicated to me that at some point I will need a double lung transplant. However, before then I would have to raise funds for expenses not covered by insurance, be prepared for the process and constant traveling to the hospital for the rest of my life.  The funds will be directly allocated to pre-op and post-op for dental clearance, physical rehab, traveling out of state to the hospital, lodging, medical equipment, follow-up care, and testing, emergency air-travel if necessary, medication copay's, specialist copay's, hospital and physician fees, relocation expenses for about 3 months which can run up to or exceed $40,000 if complications arise.

The concern? These out-of-pocket expenses are out of my reach. I am hoping/hopeful that everyone can unite to help me reach my goal and ease the financial burden.  To help me get a chance to live longer. A chance to guide my daughters through this journey called life.  To lead them in the right direction. To help them make wise decisions. To comfort them when in need. To be by their side.     -As long as I live, I'll be by your side. I love you my darlings. -Mom

I am overwhelmed with so many emotions that I can't even begin to explain how devastating it feels to go through this process and kindly ask for your help! Without you, this won’t be possible. Donations in any amount are welcome! Every contribution is valuable to me. Your support will carry us through these difficult and challenging times of our lives. No words can express my gratitude! 

Having my daughters go through this process tears me apart. Every morning I drop them off at school and pray that I see them graduate from high school. I pray that I can see them get married, and spend time with my future grandchildren.  With tears in my eyes, my heart is filled with pain that only God knows. The only thing I can cling to is my faith and repeating to myself, “God is my refuge, my strength and He will help me through this.” I thank my dad for always being faithful and bestowing this in me. My mom for caring for me when my body decides to flare up and I am immobile.

So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 

Thank you all for your support, generosity, kindness, love, and prayers! It is very heartwarming and heartfelt! A special thanks to my family and work-family for supporting me through this process.
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Donations 

  • Anonymous
    • $50 
    • 3 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $200 (Offline)
    • 4 yrs
  • Carla Palumbo
    • $100 (Offline)
    • 4 yrs
  • Meghan Olsowski
    • $20 (Offline)
    • 4 yrs
  • Jason Kane
    • $25 (Offline)
    • 4 yrs
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Organizer

Cindy Cruz
Organizer
Rochester, NY

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