Medical needs for Eddie

Eddie has always been funny, outgoing and an amazing father to his two girls. 4 years ago he started experiencing wheezing and shortness of breath. He was treated for asthma for 3 years but his functioning continued to decrease. It was clear to everyone who was around him that something was very wrong. Despite the best efforts of his doctors a true diagnosis could not be found. CT scans reveal Eddie has COPD as well as emphysema but medications were keeping both of those diseases controlled while his wheezing and breathing continued to be an issue. It was in December of 2016 that he was referred to Penn Medicine. Pulmonary physicians at Penn knew that Eddie was very sick and he began treatment by the top doctor at the lung center. After completing a bronchoscopy, the rare disease that was plaguing Eddies airways was found. Tracheobronchomalacia a collapsing of the airways left Eddie with 80% collapse in his small airways and recently has progressed to include his trachea. Since 2016 Eddie’s collapses have only increased. He shows all the classic symptoms of the disease, continuous coughing, weakness, labored breathing and a significant audible wheeze. While the journey to stabilize Eddie's health and breathing is just starting his family has rallied around him in support. Eddie continues to be an amazing husband and father to his two young girls Malia age 6 and Gabriella age 3. His health has left him unable to work where he was the “AT&T guy” for the last 6 years. His wife Brittany is graduating with her master’s degree in emergency management in December and started her own business to help cover the family’s day to day expenses while still being at home to care for Eddie and the girls.
Yesterday, we received news from the Penn Medicine Lung Center that Eddie's lung function is decreasing and that all efforts need to be made to slow further progression as Eddie is not a candidate for a lung transplant. Eddie faces a future of needing an electric wheelchair or scooter at all times and must now use a CPAP machine during the day as well as at night to keep his airways open. The costs of a portable CPAP and getting a wheelchair lift, hitch, etc., are not covered by insurance. We ask first and foremost for your prayers for healing, comfort and strength for Eddie and Brittany as they face the future of uncertainty while maintaining a normal life for Malia and Gabby.  Secondly, we thank you for any monetary amount you are able to give to help Eddie with these necessary adaptations.