Marty is a loving husband, father and grandfather of three. This cancer survivor needs your help to just breathe. Marty is dependent on supplemental oxygen 24/7 and has been pretty much home bound since November of 2020 after being diagnosed with stage 3 C.O.P.D/emphysema due to extensive cancer treatments. His Pulmonary Dr. referred him to Northwestern Memorial Hospital for further treatment. After meeting with the pulmonologist at the hospital, it was concluded that Marty needs a double lung transplant. After everything he has already gone through, this diagnosis was a blow for us. First, he underwent major back reconstruction for the removal of a tumor that was wrapped around his spine. Then, he had to have a stem cell transplant and chemo and radiation to help battle Multiple Myeloma, a form of cancer with no cure. All of this, and he is still fighting to stay with his family.
Marty is almost done with all the pre-transplant testing. He has a few follow-up appointments to complete to be placed on the transplant list. While waiting for Marty’s gift of life, we still have to secure housing closer to the hospital. Relocation for at least three months post-transplant is a requirement in order to receive his new lungs. We are looking at staggering costs just for housing closer to Northwestern. Marty will need 24-hour care after surgery, so his wife will have to take an unpaid leave of absence from work for three months or more. This move and related expenses for two residences, food, and parking in downtown Chicago will put a financial strain on the family, not to mention the stress of everything else Marty will be facing.
After surgery, Marty will be in the hospital for three weeks to a month; part of that time, he will be on a ventilator to give his body time to recover from the trauma of this risky surgery. He will also be receiving physical and occupational therapy to learn how to breathe with his new lungs. The social workers advised us that we need to do fundraising because we will need to cover the astronomical costs of co-pays, as well as the cost of surgery that is not covered. He will come home with 15 -20 new medications; some may not be covered at all by insurance because the drugs may not be FDA approved and/or are experimental. Once home, he will be going back and forth for frequent Dr. Visits to monitor his extensive recovery.
We understand that not everyone can donate money due to times being so very tight with the economy right now. We know that struggle as well. That being said if you can’t donate, please keep sharing Marty’s story on social media with your friends and family. By doing so, it will help get his story out there. Please keep Marty in your Prayers and keep sharing Marty’s Chance to breathe!
We have had a few friends and family who have sent help and so many prayers to help Marty on his journey, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts! We will keep you updated!
Much love,
The Martin Weber family!