Bruce was diagnosed in 2006 with COPD/Emphysema after a severe case of Pneumonia. This didn't stop the single dad of four children, who worked with a Commercial Real Estate Investment group, since relocating to Colorado Springs, Co. In 1997. Thanks to his children, he now has three grandchildren, two of which he has yet to meet, including a baby girl, Aria, born just two weeks ago.
Recently, Bruce's mother Sara, passed away at age 86, on the day after his birthday in February. Robin, his past wife, died in 2014 after a 20 year successful Liver transplant, devastating the kids and family.
In 2012, with all of the children now out of High School, his breathing became increasingly labored. Being put on Oxygen 24/7 being told a lower altitude may be beneficial, he felt returning to his home in Plant City, Fla., could be a healthy option. Not only might this help his breathing, it would allow him to be close to his aging mother, and help her with the things she could no longer do.
Two days after Christmas 2013, Bruce was hospitalized with Acute Respiratory Failure, and spent almost a month on a ventilator. He fought back, was weened off vent, pushed himself through Rehab, and was up and driving the next month. This disease is relentless, it doesn't go away, it will get worse, and has wiped out a perfectly healthy man. His Grandfather died from Emphysema in the early 70's.
Bruce has just completed his Lung Transplant Evaluation at UF Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Fla. With one last test and bringing immunizations up to date he has been placed on a Financial HOLD. The average lung transplant costs approximately $550,000 - $800,000 — and that’s only the beginning. Even with adequate health insurance, he faces insurmountable
expenses related to the surgery. For the rest of his life, he will need follow-up care and daily anti-rejection medications. Post-transplant medications are very costly, and they are as critical to his survival as the transplant itself.
After years of living in Colorado he grew to love the outdoors. From skiing, actively ice skating and coaching his sons hockey team, snowmobiling, hiking, fishing, mountain climbing and more. The lack of oxygen made it nearly impossible to enjoy his hobbies; Playing the guitar, making music with his daughter, building/repairing electronics, instrument repair, stained glass, stone work, teaching home improvement classes, even teaching the kids to weld and make things in the garage. It is devastating to him that he has so much knowledge, skill, and a natural knack for fixing things, but this disease has left him sitting still.
Bruce's youngest Daughter, Molly, has just moved here to be with him as his caregiver, along with local family members and friends during this scary, but life saving opportunity.
All donations 'In Honor of Bruce Hildreth", will be used only for Transplant-Medical related expenses, by Administrator.
Thank You for your Generosity