Joel Wright\'s Uninsured Medical Care for Lung Transplant Fund

Support Joel Wright\'s Uninsured Medical Care for Lung Transplant Fund

Friends and Family,

I\'m starting another journey in the hope of getting a second lung transplant. As many of you know, I was born with Cystic Fibrosis, which is a terminal illness affecting the lungs and pancreas.  I received my first double lung transplant in October, 2006.

As many of you may or may not know, my lungs are in rejection and failing quickly.  I currently have 15 % lung function.  After many difficult months of trying to find a center to agree to list me for transplant, that search is finally over.  The Methodist Hospital in Houston Texas has agreed to list me for a transplant once Jodi (my wife) and I relocate there.  We plan to relocate on October 28, 2010.

Yes, we do have wonderful insurance coverage for the surgery itself.  However, the relocation, medications, and day to day things that go along with this relocation are not covered by insurance.  At the present time, I will be moving to Houston on my own and waiting for the \"call\".  Unfortunately, Jodi will have to stay in Indiana to continue working to maintain the relocation costs as well as all our other bills for insurance and other living expenses. 

When it gets closer to the time that we think I may be called for transplant, Jodi will then take a Leave of Absence from her job.  Unfortunately, that is not a \"paid\" leave of absence.  We will have to continue to pay for the health insurance out of our pocket while she is not working, and try to pay the rent in Houston, along with medications, food, travel expenses, etc.  We know we have to be in Houston at least 3 months AFTER the surgery, but we are not sure how long overall we will have to stay.   

So as you can see, this is going to be very costly.  It was quite a financial burden the first time around, but somehow we managed it.  We are appealing to you to help us in any way you can, large or small, and appreciate anything that you can do to help us.  We are grateful for your thoughts and prayers also.

Thank you!

Joel & Jodi Wright