New Lungs for Skip

The love and laughter represented in this picture are priceless.

Skip Follette, his lovely wife Kathy, and their son Brad Willis are captured enjoying "family time"

Behind this picture, this family faces the biggest challenge of their lives because

Skip suffers from an aggressive form of pulmonary fibrosis.

Skip is in desperate need of a double lung transplant.

Naturally, the family is diligently teaming up with top-notch healthcare providers to prepare them for this vital and complex procedure. Skip undergoes detailed testing and screening regularly. His family is right by his side in this battle to save Skip's life.

The transplant will take place at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. Following the transplant, Skip and his caregiver are required to reside within minutes of the hospital for six months in the event of any complications. Thankfully, Skip's medical insurance will cover the procedure.

However, their housing expenses for the six-month post-op requirement are not covered by insurance. They will be required to pay for a hotel or Air BNB in the Durham area for six months. This is where they need our help.

This family desperately needs our love, support, prayers, and any funds we can spare to help them on this journey.

Skip left Upstate New York as a young man and proudly served in The United States Marine Corps. Semper Fi!

Skip and Kathy made their life together in Fayetteville, North Carolina after meeting at Annabelle's restaurant in the early 80s. They both went on to work in the hospitality industry at Syd's nightclub, Darryl's Restaurant, Klyde's, and The Stadium before opening Coaches on Bragg Boulevard.

They then went on to open Skip's Restaurant on McPherson Church Road.

They continue to work while juggling Skip's very limited mobility and many trips to Duke University.

However, they need our help to reach the final goal.

Time is of the essence as Skip struggles for each breath.

All funds go directly to Kathy and Skip to finance their housing requirements.

Prayers for healing.